Gary Ablett (English footballer)

Gareth Ian "Gary" Ablett (born 19 November 1965) is an English former professional footballer and manager. He played as a defender. He spent nine years with Liverpool, and went on to win the FA Cup with their city rivals Everton in 1995. He formerly was Liverpool F.C. Reserves manager, a position he left in May 2009 to join Stockport County, whom he left on 17 June 2010.

Playing career

Liverpool

Liverpool-born Ablett joined Liverpool F.C. as an apprentice upon leaving school in 1982.

He finally made his Liverpool debut on 20 December 1986 in a goalless league away draw with Charlton Athletic, when regular defenders Barry Venison and Mark Lawrenson were absent due to injury. He made five more appearances that season, scoring what would be his only goal for the club on 18 April 1987 in a 3–0 home league victory over Nottingham Forest.Alongside experienced players in defence, such as Gary Gillespie, Steve Nicol and skipper Alan Hansen, Ablett helped Liverpool win the League championship and reach the 1988 FA Cup Final. Ablett only collected a runners-up medal in the latter competition due to Liverpool's 1–0 defeat by Wimbledon.

In 1988–89, Liverpool made it to their second consecutive FA Cup final. This time they were successful, after a 3–2 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton. They lost the League title, however, to Arsenal with practically the last kick of the season. Ablett was now...
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