Gary Ablett

I remember first hearing that Everton were about to sign Gary Ablett. I was lucky enough to be somewhere in a lounge at Goodison when word came via one of those characters that inhabit the Everton lounges - always in the know - that 'Howard' had just told him we'd paid half-a-mill for "a defender from over there".

Knowing it wouldn't be anyone who was any good - even in the dire Souness-led times - after much shouting and argument, the decision was that we'd signed Barry Venison. Maybe we needed cover at full-back in 92/93? I can't remember now. I'm sure we had Ratcliffe hanging in there plus Martin Keown and probably Neil McDonald still. By the time we left the club that evening, rumours having flown, we had (in our own minds) signed Venison and somehow, Jan Molby. In the end it was all nonsense and it says a lot about Gary Ablett's reputation that when we all found out it wasn't Venison there were some disappointed sighs that night in town.

Ablett it turns out was a good signing. Without completely forgetting his unfortunate red background, he did well for us and was a key component of the '95 Wembley side, becoming (I think) the first player to win the FA Cup with both Liverpool and Everton. I may have just made that bit up.

In his post-playing career, Ablett has turned himself into a well respected coach having spells at Everton and Liverpool, most recently at Anfield until the FSW 'rejigged' his backroom team early in 2009. Today, Ablett took his first step on the managerial ladder taking the vacant job at Stockport County.

By the way, what is all this nonsense with Jo? We haven't signed anything with City, yet Jo has been allowed to join the pre-season training camp in Scotland. How does that work? Is it a bit like trying out at a different company before handing your notice in to see if you fancy it? Weird.