Ron Yeats, the former Liverpool captain who played a key role in rebuilding the club under Bill Shankly in the 1960s, has passed away at 86.
Liverpool confirmed Yeats’ passing on Friday evening. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In a statement on X, the club said: “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.”
Yeats joined Liverpool from Dundee United in 1961 for around £20,000 and was immediately appointed captain by Shankly. Described as the manager’s “colossus,” Yeats helped the team secure the Second Division title in 1962, followed by two Football League titles, the club’s first FA Cup, and three Charity Shields.
Recalling his early days under Shankly, Yeats once said: “Shankly made me feel like a million dollars. I was only 23 when he made me captain, telling me, ‘Ron, I want you to be my eyes, my ears, and my voice on that pitch.’ I captained Liverpool for 10 years. It was the best 10 years of my career and life.”
After leading Liverpool to victory in the 1965 FA Cup final, Yeats famously told the Queen during the trophy presentation that he was “knackered” after their exhausting 2-1 win over Leeds United.
Yeats earned two caps for Scotland and played 454 games for Liverpool, with over 400 appearances as captain—a record surpassed only by Steven Gerrard. After leaving the club in 1971, Yeats became player-manager at Tranmere Rovers, guiding them to a notable win over Arsenal in the 1973 League Cup. He later spent time playing in the U.S. before returning to Liverpool in 1986 as the club’s chief scout, a role he held until 2006. Yeats considered signing defender Sami Hyypia one of his proudest achievements during that period. In 2009, he was honored as an “honorary scouser” by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
Known affectionately as “Rowdy” by Liverpool fans, Yeats formed a powerful defensive partnership with Tommy Smith. Reflecting on his physical style of play, he said, “At 6ft 2.5 inches and 14.5 stone, when I tackled someone, they felt it. I wasn’t dirty, just tough. I knew if there was a battle, I’d win it.”
Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson, who joined the club as Yeats was leaving, paid tribute on X, saying: “So sad to hear of the passing of Big Ron Yeats. One of my heroes as a kid, and I had the pleasure to call him a friend. RIP Big Man.”
Jamie Carragher also honored Yeats, calling him “a giant of a man and a player.” He added, “Everything at Liverpool starts with people like Big Ron.”
Tranmere chairman Mark Palios, who started his playing career under Yeats, said, “Ron gave me my start and was instrumental in the careers of so many others. A true colossus, just as Shankly called him. He will be sorely missed.”
In his later years, as Alzheimer’s disease took hold, Yeats reflected on the toll football had on his health, recalling how heavy the footballs of his era were, especially when wet. “Every time you headed it, you just thought: ‘Jesus Christ, this is tough.’ It’s hard to imagine now.”
