Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has died at the age of 86

Today, the passing of Ron Yeats was announced. Best known for his time at Liverpool, where he earned the captain's armband, Yeats later returned to the club as chief scout following his playing career.

In January of this year, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a battle he fought until his passing due to complications. He was 86 years old.

Ron Yeats was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he began his footballing journey with the junior team Aberdeen Lads' Club. At 20, he joined Dundee United, where he enjoyed four standout seasons, helping the team rise to Scotland's top division.

In 1961, Yeats made the move to Liverpool, where he would make his name. Over ten seasons with the Merseyside club, he played 454 matches and eventually earned the captaincy. Yeats played a crucial role in Liverpool’s return to England’s top division at the conclusion of the 1961/62 season. He then helped the club secure First Division titles in 1963/64 and 1965/66. Under his leadership, Liverpool also claimed the FA Cup and three FA Charity Shields.

After his time with Liverpool, Yeats embarked on a career as a player-manager with Tranmere Rovers, Stalybridge Celtic, and Barrow. He spent a year in the U.S. playing for the Los Angeles Skyhawks, before returning to the UK, where he played briefly for several lesser-known teams.

In 1986, Yeats rejoined Liverpool as chief scout, responsible for overseeing the club's talent scouting network. He remained in this role until his retirement in May 2006.

Liverpool released a statement on their social media platform, X, regarding his passing:

"We mourn the loss of our legendary former captain, Ron Yeats. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ron’s family and friends."