Legendary Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has passed away, with the team honoring him as the ‘colossus’ of Bill Shankly’s era.

Ron Yeats, the legendary captain of Liverpool, has passed away at the age of 86 after battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Yeats served as captain for the Reds over 400 matches, a record only surpassed by Steven Gerrard, and led the club to three major trophies during his tenure.

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The former Scotland defender won two First Division titles and an FA Cup with Liverpool during the 1960s, helping to elevate the team from the Second Division.

In addition to his successful stint at Liverpool, he played for Dundee United and Tranmere Rovers over the course of a 21-year professional career.

Liverpool paid heartfelt tribute to Yeats on their official website: « In the words of Bill Shankly, a ‘colossus’ in club history, the Scot passed away on Friday night at the age of 86 after valiantly facing Alzheimer’s in recent years.

« Yeats joined the club in July 1961 from Dundee United and was a pivotal figure in Shankly’s early reforms, playing a significant role in lifting the club from a prolonged period in the Second Division.

“’Walk around him,’ Shankly famously said when Yeats was unveiled that summer. ‘He’s a colossus.’ As was often the case, Shankly was correct. »

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge also shared his condolences on social media.

He stated: « This morning, I awoke to the sorrowful news of the passing of Ron Yeats, one of Liverpool Football Club’s all-time greats both as a player and a captain. What an incredible man!!

« I’m privileged to have met him several times. It is heart-wrenching to witness what Ron and his family have endured over the past eight years with his illness. All our thoughts as former players are with his family. Good night and God bless, Ron. Rest in peace. »

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Further updates will follow.