Soccer:Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett has died after a long battle against cancer, the League Managers Association said today. He was 46.

Ablett, who had a season as Stockport manager in 2009-10, lost his 16-month fight against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma last night.

“On behalf of Gary Ablett’s family the LMA has today confirmed that Gary passed away peacefully last night following a hard fought 16-month battle against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” said an LMA statement.

“Respected throughout the game by players, coaches and managers alike Gary will be sadly missed.

“The LMA’s thoughts and condolences are with Gary’s wife Jacqueline and children.”

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans told Sky Sports News: “It’s a big shock. Obviously we know Gary’s been ill for a while. It’s a really sad day.”

Recalling Ablett as a player, Evans added: “He was good at everything he did as a player.

“He went into coaching and stamped his personality onto that and was doing a very good job, certainly at youth level. I remember he had bit of a difficult first spell at Stockport, but overall he’s had a great career in football, he’s a big loss to the sport.”

David Fairclough, who played for Liverpool between 1974 and 1983, added: “He was a lovely lad, he always conducted himself in the right way. He was great with people, always personable. What always came through with Gary was his attitude was just always very, very right.”

Ablett took up a coaching role with Ipswich in July 2010 but was taken ill while at the club’s training ground and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“Liverpool Football Club were today saddened to learn of the death of former player Gary Ablett,” said a statement from the Reds.

“The staff of Liverpool FC would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Gary.”

A statement from Everton said: “Everyone at Everton was saddened to learn of the death of Gary Ablett.

“The thoughts of everyone at Everton are with Gary’s family and friends at this tragic time.”