GARY Ablett has been taken ill with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, according to a report in a national newspaper.

The Portman Road club are set to issue a statement later in the day.

Former Stockport County boss Ablett joined the Ipswich Town coaching staff last month, on a one-year deal. His first appearance in the Town dug-out, alongside manager Roy Keane, was during the club’s first pre-season friendly at Newmarket Town.

However, the 44-year-old was taken ill at Town’s training ground last week, and subsequently missed the friendlies at Bury Town and against West Ham.

Town manager Roy Keane confirmed: “Gary (Ablett) was taken ill at the training ground and taken to hospital. He is getting the best treatment.”