Former Liverpool players react to Ron Yeats death as Jamie Carragher pays touching tribute

A host of former Liverpool players are paying tribute to Ron Yeats this weekend after the club's former captain died aged 86 on Friday night. Yeats had been living with Alzheimer's disease for some time before his death.

Nicknamed "The Colossus" during his playing career, the centre-back won the Second Division title as captain during his debut season after signing for Bill Shankly's side from Dundee United. Yeats kept the armband and led the Reds to top-flight success two years later, lifting the First Division title in 1964 and then again in 1966.

He also helped Liverpool win the FA Cup for the first time, ending a 73-year wait. Yeats also spent two decades as the club's chief scout.

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John Aldridge shared the news on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, with the club confirming Yeats' death within the hour. "Woke up today to the sad news of one of Liverpool football club all-time greats as a player and a captain, Ron Yeats, what a man," Aldridge's post reads.

"I’m honoured to have met him on many occasions. What Ron and the family I’ve gone through the past eight years with his illness is unbelievably sad. All our thoughts from the ex-players are with his family. Good night, God bless, Ron, RIP."

David Speedie earlier said: "Very sorry to hear legendary Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has passed away. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. You’ll Never Walk Alone, Ron."

Phil Thompson also paid tribute to Yeats, who he calls one of his boyhood heroes. "So sad to hear of the passing of Big Ron Yeats, one of my heroes as a kid, and I had the pleasure to become his friend," Thompson shared. "It doesn’t get much better, RIP Big Man."

Jamie Carragher posted a photo of Yeats holding the first division title, captioning it: "A giant of a man and a giant of a player. Everything at LFC starts with people like Big Ron. RIP."

Roy Evans also wrote: "Sad news on the passing of Ron Yeats will be remembered as one of the greats and a lovely guy, RIP, condolences to all his family." Jan Molby shared a photo from 2009 of himself and Yeats posing with their honorary scouser award, captioning it: "RIP Ron Yeats."

Djimi Traore also recalled his memories of Yeats, posting: "First Liverpool legend I met in the old Melwood training ground. A very nice person and a true gentleman. Rest in peace, Ron Yeats, YNWA."

Taking to Instagram former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard simply wrote: "RIP big Ron," along with a heart emoji, while Jordan Henderson also shared a photo of Yeats in tribute.