Former Liverpool FC and Everton FC defender Gary Ablett has died from cancer at the age of 46.

Ablett was diagnosed with the blood cancer non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in summer 2010 and passed away on New Year's Day. A League Managers' Association statement said: "Respected throughout the game by players, coaches and managers alike Gary will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Gary's wife Jacqueline and children."

Born in Liverpool, he joined the Reds as an apprentice in 1982 and went on to win the league in 1988 and the FA Cup the following year. Ablett moved to Goodison Park in 1992 and in 1995 helped Everton win the FA Cup – making him the first and only player to lift the trophy in the colours of both Merseyside clubs.

He also played for Birmingham City FC and Blackpool FC before joining the coaching staff at Everton, Liverpool and Ipswich Town FC as well as managing Stockport County FC.