New coach Gary Ablett has agreed a one-year deal with the Blues. Town say the former Liverpool and Everton defender will put pen to paper next week once the formalities are concluded.

Ablett has been working alongside manager Roy Keane and first team coach Tony Loughlan since the start of pre-season, replacing Ian McParland, who has left Portman Road for family reasons having joined Town last November.

Former England U21 and B international defender Ablett was with Liverpool, Derby County (loan), Hull City (loan), Everton, Sheffield United (loan), Birmingham, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Blackpool and the Long Island Rough Riders during his playing career, before moving into coaching with Everton's U17s in 2002.

The 44-year-old returned to Liverpool in 2006, becoming their reserve team boss, working with Town full-back Shane O’Connor and fitness coach Antonio Gomez.

Ablett, who studied alongside Roy Keane when they were working for their UEFA Pro Licences in 2008, left Anfield last summer and was Stockport’s manager during the 2009/10 season.

The Hatters spent the entire campaign in administration and recorded only five wins as they finished bottom of League One. The Liverpudlian left Edgeley Park in June.

Photo: James Ager

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