‘I left Liverpool for Everton and got horrendous stick for it – but it was worth it’

Gary Ablett was the last footballer to play for both Everton and Liverpool, with the defender moving from the Reds to the Blues in 1992 and helping the Toffees win the 1995 FA Cup

Gary Ablett, a rare breed who played for both Everton and Liverpool, was honest about the reaction to his move across the city. Born and bred in Liverpool, the defender began his career with the Reds before making the controversial switch to the Toffees in 1992.

He had already tasted glory with Liverpool, winning the old First Division under Kenny Dalglish and playing every minute of the thrilling 1989 FA Cup final. Fast forward six years, and Ablett was lifting the FA Cup once again – this time as part of the Everton team that silenced Manchester United’s attack in a memorable 1-0 victory.

The early Premier League years were less kind to both Merseyside clubs than the trophy-laden 80s, with Everton narrowly escaping relegation in 1994 and teetering on the brink the following season. However, under Joe Royle’s stewardship, they managed to stay up and even ended the season with a trophy.

Their first league win didn’t come until November 1994, when Ablett netted the only goal against West Ham. His contribution to the squad that secured survival with six clean sheets in their last seven games was invaluable.

Ablett’s time at Everton yielded the 1995 FA Cup and Charity Shield – his only silverware with the club. Despite some backlash from Reds fans, he never regretted his decision to cross the city.

READ MORE: David Moyes gives brutally honest verdict on Liverpool’s £446m transfer spreeREAD MORE: David Moyes was ‘forced’ to sign Everton legend after private chat convinced him

“There is nothing major in my career I wish I had done differently,” the England B international, who sadly passed away in 2012, recalled in his autobiography. “Joining Everton (from Liverpool) was a controversial decision at the time and the stick I took was horrendous but it paid off for me. It is written down in the history books: Gary Ablett, the only player to claim FA Cup winners medals with both Liverpool and Everton.”

Since Ablett’s historic move, a mere seven male footballers have been registered with both Everton and Liverpool. Of these, only Nick Barmby in 2000 and Abel Xavier in 2002 made the direct switch between the two clubs.

Ablett concluded his career boasting over 100 league appearances for both Liverpool and Everton, as well as Birmingham City. He hung up his boots in 2001 following a spell with Long Island Rough Riders in the United States before transitioning into coaching.

His affiliation with both Everton and Liverpool extended beyond his playing days. He managed the Under-17s for Everton and the Under-21s for Liverpool, mentoring future Premier League players Emiliano Insua and Nabil El Zhar.

After a year as Stockport County manager, Ablett joined Ipswich’s coaching team, but was tragically diagnosed with blood cancer in 2010. Aged just 46 at his passing, former team-mates including Alan Hansen and Duncan Ferguson were among the Liverpool and Everton players who attended his funeral.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.