Liverpool 'Colossus' Ron Yeats dies after Alzheimer's battle, aged 86
Ron Yeats, who captained Liverpool to six trophies in the 1960s, has died, the English club has announced. He was 86.
Yeats “suffered with Alzheimer’s in recent years,” Liverpool said in a statement.
Signed from Dundee United in 1961, Yeats was immediately named captain and became a key defender in Liverpool manager Bill Shankly’s teams, helping lift the club out of an extended spell in the second division.
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“Walk around him,” Shankly said when the six foot two Yeats was unveiled.
“He’s a colossus.”
Liverpool won the second division in Yeats’ first season and then the first division in 1964 and 1966, plus the FA Cup in 1965.
“The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Ron’s wife, Ann, all of his family and his friends at this incredibly sad time,” Liverpool said.
Jimmy Greaves sneaks in between Ron Yeats (left) and Tommy Smith (right) of Liverpool in 1966. Getty
LFC confirmed flags across club sites will fly at half-mast in honour of Yeats.
Liverpool club legends lead a chorus of condolence messages to the family.
"Woke up today to the sad news of one of Liverpool football club's all-time greats as a player and a captain, Ron Yeats," former club striker John Aldridge wrote on X.
"What a man. I'm honoured to have met him on many occasions."
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher stated: "A giant of a man and a giant of a player. Everything at Liverpool starts with people like Big Ron. RIP."
Liverpool assistant manager and former player Phil Thompson, who joined the club the year following Yeats departure, labeled the late great as "one of my heroes".
"So sad to hear of the passing of Big Ron Yeats, one of my heroes as a kid and had the pleasure to become his friend," he said.
"Doesn't get much better. RIP Big Man."
