Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats dies aged 86
Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats, who played for the club from 1961 to 1971 and later served as chief scout, has passed away at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease
Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has passed away at the age of 86 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Yeats played for Liverpool between 1961 and 1971, playing a key role in Bill Shankly's legendary side. He helped the club win one Second Division title, two First Division titles and the FA Cup.
Liverpool said in a statement: "We are mourning the passing of our legendary former captain Ron Yeats. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ron’s family and friends." Liverpool have announced that flags across the club's sites will be lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect.
Yeats, a defender, arrived at Liverpool from Dundee United ahead of the 1961/62 campaign. He helped the team climb out of the Second Division and was later appointed captain - leading the side for over 400 matches, a feat that only Steven Gerrard can top for Liverpool.
“There have been two of them," he once said of his biggest achievements at Liverpool. "Being the captain that took the club out of the Second Division after eight years was a very, very proud moment.
“We won the league by eight or nine points that season and to follow that by being the first captain of Liverpool to lift the FA Cup is something I am very proud of. I do not go round with the medals on my chest, it is just there for me to say.”
He made 454 appearances for Liverpool altogether - a total which puts him 22nd on the club's all-time list. His esteem at Liverpool saw him return in 1986 as chief scout, a position he held for 20 years before retiring in 2006.
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher tweeted: “A giant of a man & a giant of a player. Everything at @LFC starts with people like Big Ron. RIP.”
Born in Aberdeen in 1937, Yeats started his career at Dundee United, where he spent four years, before moving south to Liverpool. After 10 years with the Reds, he joined nearby Tranmere in 1971 as a player-manager and went on to hold the same role at Barrow and American side Santa Barbara Condors.
He was brought back to the club in 1986 as a scout and was credited for the signing of centre-back Sami Hyypia, who was brought in from Willem II and went on to have a successful career with Liverpool.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge tweeted: "Woke up today to the sad news of one of Liverpool football clubs all-time greats as a player and a captain Ron Yeats what a man!! I’m honoured to have met him on many occasions. What Ron and the family I’ve gone through the past eight years with his illness is unbelievably sad!! All our thoughts from the ex-players are with his family! Good night. God bless Ron RIP."
Ex-Liverpool and Scotland player David Speedie wrote: "Very sorry to hear legendary Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has passed away. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. You’ll Never Walk Alone Ron."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand 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.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
