FORMER Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett could join the Ipswich Town coaching staff within the next few days.

Ablett is set to replace Ian “Charlie” McParland, who is to leave his coaching post at Portman Road due to “family reasons.”

Ablett was on the bench for Town’s big 9-1 victory at Ridgeons League Premier Division hosts Newmarket Town last night.

The 44-year-old has managerial experience with Liverpool Reserves, and more recently at cash-strapped Stockport County last season.

Ablett left the Hatters last month after a season of struggle which saw them in administration and ultimately relegated to League Two.

Town boss Roy Keane revealed last night: “Charlie McParland has been with us for the last few months but he has not been able to commit to the club for family reasons.

“Gary Ablett has been at the club since the start of the week and we’ll be trying to sort out a deal in the next few days.”

Town cruised to victory at Newmarket. They were 4-0 up at half-time, thanks to a brace from Owen Garvan and goals from Lee Martin and Grant Leadbitter.

It was Pablo Counago who took centre stage in the second half as Keane played two different starting line-ups for each half.

Counago bagged a hat-trick inside a 10-minute spell, before late goals from Colin Healy and Alan Quinn completed the scoring. Jonathan Olive netted for the hosts.

Luciano Civelli, sidelined for 16 months with a serious knee injury, also made a welcome return to action. He came on for the last half-hour.

“I wanted to give everyone a decent run-out, and everyone came through with no injuries,” confirmed Keane.

Town’s second pre-season friendly is at Histon Town on Friday evening, following the cancellation of the scheduled match at Southend.