Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has died at the age of 86. The legendary defender, who played 454 matches for Liverpool between 1961 and 1971, ranks as the 22nd-most capped player in the club’s storied history. Remarkably, Yeats captained the team in over 400 of those games, making him second only to Steven Gerrard in terms of appearances as captain for the Reds.
Yeats, affectionately nicknamed ‘Rowdy’ by Liverpool fans, earned a prominent place in the club’s history by leading the team to their first-ever FA Cup victory in 1965. Under his leadership, Liverpool defeated Leeds United after extra time to claim the historic win, a moment that solidified his legacy at Anfield.
News of his passing was confirmed by Liverpool’s official website this morning, which revealed that Yeats died on Friday night after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in recent years. His death marks a significant loss for the club and its supporters, who remember him as a key figure in Liverpool’s rise during the 1960s.
Yeats was signed by the legendary manager Bill Shankly in 1961, a time when Liverpool was still competing in the Second Division. Yeats made an immediate impact, helping the team secure promotion to the First Division in his debut season. Just two years later, Yeats was instrumental in guiding Liverpool to win the First Division title, marking the start of a new era of success for the club.
Bill Shankly, who highly regarded Yeats, famously told journalists at Yeats’ unveiling to “walk around him” to appreciate his commanding physical presence on the pitch. This praise captured Yeats’ imposing stature and the respect he commanded both as a player and as a leader.
After retiring from playing, Yeats continued to serve Liverpool with distinction, returning to the club in 1986 as the chief scout. In this role, he demonstrated a keen eye for talent, identifying key players such as Sami Hyypia. Yeats remained in this position for 20 years, further contributing to Liverpool’s success and cementing his legacy off the field.
Yeats’ contributions to Liverpool, both on and off the pitch, spanned three decades and established him as a towering figure in the club’s history. He will be forever remembered as the captain who delivered Liverpool’s first FA Cup triumph and as a dedicated servant who continued to shape the club in his later years.
As Liverpool and its fans mourn the loss of Ron Yeats, the club and the Empire of the Kop extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends during this challenging time. Yeats’ legacy will undoubtedly endure, forever etched in the annals of Liverpool’s history.