Ron Yates, the legendary Liverpool captain, has died at the age of 86.
The former centre-back made 454 appearances for the club, including more than 400 as a player, and became the first player in the club’s history to win the FA Cup.
He also won the Second Division title in 1962 under Bill Shankly, with the manager describing him as a “balloon”.
He was also a key player in the teams that won the First Division in 1964 and 1966.
In January, it was announced that Yates was living with Alzheimer’s disease. The club said he died on Friday night.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of our legendary former captain Ron Yates.
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ron’s family and friends.
—Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 7, 2024
Yates was once asked about his greatest achievements at Liverpool: “There were two. Being the captain who led the club out of the Second Division after eight years was a very, very proud moment.
“That season we won the league by eight or nine points and then to be the first Liverpool captain to win the FA Cup is something I’m very proud of.
“I don’t go around with medals on my chest, so to speak.”
Yates has also played for Dundee United, Tranmere Rovers, Stalybridge Celtic and Barrow, as well as the Los Angeles Skyhawks and Santa Barbara Condors in the United States.
He would later return to Liverpool as head scout, a role he held for 20 years before retiring in 2006, with future captain Sami Hippie one of those he helped shape at the club.
