Ron Yeats dead: Liverpool legend and ex-captain described as ‘colossus’ dies aged 86 after battle with Alzheimer’s
LIVERPOOL legend and captain Ron Yeats has passed away at the age of 86.
The former Scotland defender died on Friday night after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
The Reds released a statement which read: “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.”
Yeats was described by iconic Liverpool manager Bill Shankly as a “colossus”.
Yeats, who was capped twice by Scotland, was a part of the team that won the Second Division in 1962, before he went on to win the First Division in 1964 and 1966.
He also claimed the FA Cup in 1965 as Liverpool beat Leeds 2-1 at Wembley.
He racked up 454 appearances for Liverpool – 400 of which came as captain, a number usurped only by Steven Gerrard.
Prior to joining Liverpool in 1961, he helped Dundee United into the top flight as they were promoted from the Second Division.
Following his departure from Anfield after 10 years at the club, he spent three years at Tranmere.
Ron Yeats' career
- Games: 697
- Goals: 21
- International caps: 2
- Honours: Scottish Division Two promotion, English First Division x2, English Second Division, FA Cup, American Soccer League
- Liverpool appearances: 454
- Games as Liverpool captain: 400
He also enjoyed a brief spell on loan in the US with Los Angeles Skyhawks where he won the American Soccer League.
He retired in 1978 after short spells with Formby and Rhyl.
Speaking about his highlight moments at Liverpool, Yeats said: “There have been two of them. 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.”