Former Liverpool star Ablett appointed Stockport manager

Former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett became a manager for the first time on Wednesday when he was appointed the successor to Jim Gannon at League One side Stockport County.

The 43-year-old – who won two First Division titles with Liverpool as well as two FA Cups and then another FA Cup with Everton – beat off competition from the likes of former Northern Ireland and Celtic great Neil Lennon to secure the post.

Stockport are in the process of being taken over by a consortium headed by ex-Manchester City player Jim Melrose, who opted for Ablett, who until May had been the reserve team coach at Liverpool.

“Gary has a fantastic pedigree, having enjoyed a career at the very highest level,” Melrose told the club website.

“He has a big reputation for the quality of his coaching at Liverpool and Everton over the last few years.

“This appointment should underline our ambition and I’m sure it will be welcomed by the players.”

Gannon left Stockport – who finished just a point above the relegation places last season – in late June to manage Scottish Premier League club Motherwell.