Sports
Former Liverpool Captain, Ron Yeats Is Dead
Yeats was a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s history, playing for the club from 1961 to 1971. He was instrumental in Bill Shankly’s legendary team, helping the Reds secure one Second Division title, two First Division titles, and an FA Cup.
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Liverpool FC released a statement saying, “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.” As a mark of respect, flags across the club’s sites will be lowered to half-mast.
A stalwart defender, Yeats joined Liverpool from Dundee United before the 1961/62 season. He played a crucial role in the club’s rise from the Second Division and was appointed captain, leading the team in over 400 matches—a record surpassed only by Steven Gerrard at Liverpool.
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“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.”
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