Ron Yeats, former Liverpool captain and Bill Shankly’s ‘colossus’, dies aged 86

Ron Yeats (centre, top) is carried aloft after Liverpool won the 1965 FA Cup final against Leeds, while Ian St John, scorer of the winner, helps hold the trophy. Photograph: PA Photos/PA

Ron Yeats, the former Liverpool ­captain who helped to rebuild the club’s fortunes under Bill Shankly in the 1960s, has died at the age of 86.

Liverpool confirmed that Yeats, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, died on Friday evening. “We are mourning the ­passing of our legendary former ­captain Ron Yeats,” a club statement on X read. “The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ron’s family and friends.”