Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has passed away at the age of 86, after battling Alzheimer’s in recent years.
In a tribute on their website, the Anfield club hailed the Scottish defender as a “colossus,” noting that he captained the team in more than 400 matches during the 1960s.
“The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Ron’s wife, Ann, all of his family, and his friends during this incredibly sad time,” the club stated. “Flags across club sites will be lowered to half-mast today as a mark of respect.”
Yeats joined Liverpool in 1961 from Dundee United and played a crucial role in helping manager Bill Shankly achieve promotion from the second division.
Shankly famously referred to Yeats as a “colossus,” not only because of his imposing 6ft 2in frame but also due to the legendary status he attained at Anfield during the 1960s.
During his time with Liverpool, Yeats helped the club secure two First Division titles, the FA Cup in 1965, and three Charity Shields. Of his 454 appearances for the Reds, more than 400 were as captain—a record surpassed only by Steven Gerrard.
After leaving Liverpool, Yeats went on to play for Tranmere Rovers, Stalybridge Celtic, Los Angeles Skyhawks, Barrow, Santa Barbara Condors, and Formby. He also earned two caps for Scotland in 1964 and 1965 before retiring from playing in the late 1970s.
In the 1980s, Yeats returned to Liverpool as chief scout, a role he held for 20 years until his retirement in 2006.
Earlier this year, Liverpool announced that Yeats had been living with Alzheimer’s. Liverpool Football Club paid tribute to Ron Yeats, sharing his reflections on his proudest moments at Anfield. Yeats highlighted two key achievements: leading the club out of the Second Division after eight long years and captaining Liverpool to their first-ever FA Cup victory. He recalled the league triumph, where Liverpool won by eight or nine points, as a standout accomplishment. Lifting the FA Cup as captain was another milestone that he held dear. He added, “I don’t go around with the medals on my chest—it’s just something for me to know.”
As news of Yeats’ passing spread, former Liverpool stars took to social media to honor his legacy. Jamie Carragher described him on X as “a giant of a man and a giant of a player,” reflecting the immense respect Yeats commanded. Robbie Fowler also paid tribute, writing, “RIP to the great man,” highlighting the widespread admiration for Yeats among those who followed in his footsteps. The sense of loss was palpable across the Liverpool community, as tributes poured in from former teammates and supporters alike.
John Aldridge, another Liverpool legend, also shared his thoughts, describing Yeats as one of the club’s “all-time greats as a player and a captain.” His leadership on and off the field left a lasting impact on those who played alongside him and those who looked up to him. Yeats’ contribution to Liverpool’s success in the 1960s, particularly during the club’s rise under Bill Shankly, cemented his place in the club’s rich history. His name became synonymous with Liverpool’s emergence as a dominant force in English football.
Beyond Liverpool, Yeats’ influence extended across the football world, including his brief international career with Scotland. Former Scotland and Liverpool player David Speedie expressed his sorrow, sharing a poignant message: “You’ll Never Walk Alone, Ron.” The message resonated with many, symbolizing both the close-knit nature of the footballing community and the deep connection Yeats had with the club’s motto and values.
Yeats’ legacy goes beyond his accolades on the pitch; his influence as a leader and his role in shaping Liverpool’s rise to prominence remain etched in the club’s history. His contributions as a player and later as a chief scout for two decades showcase his lasting dedication to Liverpool. As the football world mourns his passing, his achievements as both a player and a person continue to inspire future generations.