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Former Liverpool captain and defender Ron Yeats, nicknamed “The Giant” for his height and physical strength, died at the age of 86 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease in recent years, the English club announced on Saturday.
The former defender was a member of the Liverpool team that won the second division title under legendary coach Bill Shankly in 1962, the first division twice (1963 and 1966), and the cup in 1965, in addition to the Charity Shield 3 times. He also played in the 1966 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final (losing to Borussia Dortmund).
Liverpool released a statement: “Liverpool Football Club mourns the passing of legendary former captain Ron Yeats.
“In the words of Bill Shankly, he was a giant in the club's history.
“The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ron's wife Ann and all his family and friends at this sorrowful time. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all club locations as a mark of respect.”
Ron Yates in Brief
Born in Aberdeen on November 13, 1937, Yates joined Liverpool from Dundee United in July 1961 under the guidance of Shankly, who invited journalists to “walk around him, he's a giant” when introducing the tall (1.87m) defender.
Yates wore the captain's armband six months after his arrival and made 454 appearances in 10 years, scoring 13 goals.
His record of 417 appearances as Reds captain has only been broken by Steven Gerrard in the last decade.
He left Liverpool in 1971 to become a player and manager at Tranmere for three years, followed by a short spell in the United States before returning to Anfield in 1986 as head of youth scouting for 20 years.
His international career was limited to just two appearances for his country.