Liverpool legend Ron Yates has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Liverpool legend Ron Yates is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the club have announced.
The 86-year-old joined the Reds from Aberdeen in 1961 and made 454 appearances for the club over 10 years.
The Scot, regarded as one of Bill Shankly’s biggest signings, labeled his compatriot a “huge” and urged reporters to “avoid him” as he revealed the centre-back.
Yates’ family recently contacted Forever Reds, the club’s former official players’ association. The donation will come in aid of the former Liverpool captain after the Forever Reds’ annual Christmas lunch last month raised more than £75,000 for charities and former players.
Forever Reds chairman and ECHO columnist John Aldridge said: “Stories like Ron’s made us want to set up Forever Reds and continue to support ex-players who need our help.
“It’s great to be part of the LFC family, supporting him and his family at this difficult time. I loved watching Ron play and his contribution to this club will never be forgotten.
“Thank you to all our fans who attended our events and helped us raise money to support our former players. It’s amazing to support the Forever Reds and local charities.
“Ron’s wife Ann said of the support his family has received from Forever Reds: “It has been a great charity and my family and I are very grateful for the support. I called the club and told them, and the response was overwhelming.
“Alzheimer’s disease is a serious disease and often takes a toll on families emotionally and financially. We can’t thank Forever Reds enough for everything they’ve done for Ron.
“Yates led Liverpool to FA Cup glory for the first time in 1965 and after winning the Second Division in 1961/62, won the First Division twice in 1963/64 and 1965/66.He left the club in 1971 and returned in 1986 as chief scout under Kenny Dalglish.
He held the role until his retirement in May 2006 and was, among other things, responsible for legendary club scout Sami Hyppia, who the Finn considers one of his best captures.
In addition, Yates was ranked 29th in a poll of “100 Players Who Rocked the Kop” conducted by Liverpool’s official website and was selected as an “Honorary Scouser” by the Mayor of Liverpool in April 2009.And in 2015, Ian won a lifetime achievement award from the club with St John’s.
