Former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has died at the age of 86.
The former defender, described as a ‘colossus’ by legendary Reds manager Bill Shankly, had suffered with Alzheimer’s in recent years.
‘The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Ron’s wife, Ann, all of his family and his friends at this incredibly sad time,’ Liverpool said in a statement.
‘Flag across club sites will be lowered to half-mast today as a mark of respect.’
Yeates joined the club from Dundee United in 1961 and was part of the Liverpool side that won the Second Division title in 1963.
Standing at a formidable 6ft 2in, Yates was an imposing figure a the back. On his arrival at Anfield, Shankly invited reporters to ‘take a walk around my centre-half, gentlemen, he’s a colossus!’
He was a key figure in Shankly’s revolution on Merseyside with his side going onto win two top-flight titles and the FA Cup as the club set about dominating English football.
The Scot played 454 games for Liverpool – with more than 400 of them coming as club captain. Only Steven Gerrard has worn the captain’s armband more.
Yates left Liverpool in 1971 to join Tranmere Rovers, also having spells at Stalybridge Celtic, Barrow, Formby and Los Angeles Skyhawk.
He returned to Liverpool as a scout in 1986, remaining in that role until his retirement in 2006 with Sami Hyypia among the Liverpool greats he is credited with bringing to the club.
Yates was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in January.