Thursday, September 19, 2024

‘You look about 8ft tall in that’

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Ron Yeats became a central pillar to Liverpool‘s revival along with fellow Scot Ian St John, who joined the same year.

Bill Shankly described their arrival as “the turning point” as Liverpool rose from the Second Division to become the dominant force in British football.

Such was Yeats’ impact he was appointed captain months later and would wear the armband for the next eight seasons.

In 1964, when Yeats was chosen to model Liverpool’s new all-red kit, Shankly said: “You look about 8ft tall in that. You’ll scare the living daylights out of them.”

That season, Yeats became the first Liverpool player to lift the FA Cup, telling the Queen he was “absolutely knackered” after a 2-1 win over Leeds United at Wembley.

During his time as chief scout he recommended Liverpool sign Sami Hyypia, who cost £2.6m from Willem II in 1999.

The Finland defender went on to win 10 major honours, including the 2005 Champions League, with Yeats later describing Hyypia as one of the “best bits of business” the club have done.

Yeats’ later years were overshadowed by ill health, with Liverpool announcing in January that the club’s former players’ association had made a donation to help pay for his care.

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