Ablett has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Ipswich coach and former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. Ablett, 44, was in charge of Stockport as they were relegated to npower League Two last season but recently took up a coaching role at Ipswich under Roy Keane and is currently in hospital in Suffolk.An Everton statement on their official website said: "Gary has always been a popular figure at Goodison, where he has forged a host of friendships through his time here as a player and a coach."An FA Cup winner as part of Joe Royle's famous Everton side in 1995, he returned to Goodison in 2002 as a senior coach within the Blues' Academy. He departed Goodison in 2006 to take up a position as reserve team boss for Liverpool but has maintained strong friendships on the blue half of the city."Our thoughts are with Gary and his family at this time."Ipswich are yet to comment but are set to release a statement later this afternoon.Liverpool were also quick to send their best wishes to Ablett, who started his career at Anfield in 1983 and won two league titles with the Reds.A statement on the club's website read: "Liverpool have been shocked and saddened to learn that Gary Ablett is facing a battle against cancer."The former Reds defender, who recently enjoyed a successful stint as reserve team coach, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after being taken ill last week."Everyone at the club would like to extend their best wishes to Gary and hopes that he makes a speedy recovery."Ipswich later confirmed Ablett is in hospital receiving treatment.Ablett was only recruited by Keane earlier this pre-season but will be absent as Town begin their npower Championship season against Middlesbrough on Saturday.A club statement on itfc.co.uk read: "Gary Ablett was taken ill at the club's training ground last week."Everyone at the club is devastated by the sudden onset of such a serious illness."Our thought are with Gary and his family and we would ask for the family to be given the privacy they require at this difficult time."

Source: Team_Talk