Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has died at the age of 86
Legendary Liverpool Captain Ron Yates Passes Away at 86
It is with great sadness that Liverpool Football Club has announced the passing of Ron Yates, a legendary former Captain and a transformative figure in the club’s history. Yates, who was 86 years old, passed away last night after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in recent years.
A Pivotal Signing
Yates joined Liverpool in 1961 from Dundee, and his impact on the team was almost immediate. He was described by manager Bill Shankly as a "Colossus" upon his arrival, and he quickly proved to be a vital part of the Reds’ fledgling Revolution under Shankly’s leadership. The Scot was one of the mainstays of the team during Shankly’s first few seasons at the helm, and his presence helped lift the club out of the Second Division and back into the top tier of English football.
Captain and Leader
Just months after his arrival at Anfield, Yates was appointed Captain of the team, a role he would go on to fulfill for eight further seasons. During his time as skipper, Liverpool enjoyed some of their most successful years, including a memorable 1963-64 season in which the Reds finished four points clear of Manchester United and claimed their sixth First Division title in the club’s history.
Landmark Campaign
Yates was also part of Liverpool’s historic 1964-65 campaign, in which the team wore their now-famous all-red kit for the first time. The Scot proudly donned the famous shirt and helped lead the team to victory in numerous matches throughout the season.
Tributes Paid
Shankly’s description of Yates as a "Colossus" is fitting, as the Scot’s impact on the club went far beyond his impressive footballing abilities. He was a leader and a symbol of the club’s revival during the early 1960s, and his presence on the pitch helped inspire countless Liverpool fans throughout the years.
The Thoughts of the Club
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ron’s wife Anne, his family, and his friends at this incredibly sad time. The club will lower its flags to half-mast today as a mark of respect, and fans will be given the opportunity to pay their own tributes to a legendary figure in the club’s history.
Rest in Peace, Ron Yates
Ron Yates may be gone, but his legacy lives on at Liverpool Football Club. He will always be remembered as a true Legend of the Reds, and his passing will be felt deeply by fans around the world. Rest in peace, Ron Yates.
