Royal Blue: Few have earned the respect that Ablett had

Jan 7 2012 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Echo

WHILE Gary Ablett’s tragically premature death did not come as a shock given the terrible illness he had been battling during recent months, it has united all of the city’s football fans in grief.

Few can be so universally respected by supporters on either side of Stanley Park but after departing Anfield for Goodison Park 20 years ago, Ablett always showed great passion and commitment.

As part of Joe Royle’s ‘Dogs of War’ team, most of Ablett’s greatest moments in the royal blue jersey came during the triumphant FA Cup run of 1995.

Famously, Ablett is remembered for setting up Daniel Amokachi in the semi-final win over Spurs after bombing down the left wing but those Blues fans present at Elland Road that day will also recall little things like his ‘crank it up’ gesture to the crowd just before Matt Jackson’s opening goal.

It worked a treat as the noise levels inside Elland Road were immediately raised to ear-splitting decibels by the travelling Evertonians and they never really went down from then on.

It will contrast greatly to the period of silence to honour his memory before today’s FA Cup tie with Tamworth.