FORMER Liverpool captain and caretaker boss Ronnie Moran has died at the age of 83 after a short illness.

Left back Moran skippered the club and won the old First Division league titles in 1964 and 1966.

7 Ronnie Moran pictured with Kenny Dalglish (centre) and Roy Evans (right) celebrating the Division One championship Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

His son Paul tweeted this morning: "I am devastated to tell everyone on behalf of the family that my dad passed away this morning after a short illness."

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According to the Press Association, Moran was diagnosed with vascular dementia four years ago and was admitted to a 24-hour care home last October.

The club confirmed the news on Twitter, saying they are "deeply saddened" by the news.

Moran played until 1968 and stayed on at the club after being invited on to the coaching staff by Bill Shankly.

He became part of the famous boot room where staff would sit and drink tea and think of ways to down their opponents.

Liverpool Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Ronnie Moran pic.twitter.com/YsCbabUWkp — Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 22, 2017

7 Ronnie Moran (right) holds the European Cup with Chris Lawler, Roy Evans and Joe Fagan Credit: PA:Press Association

7 Ronnie Moran ahead of the 1975 season Credit: Getty Images

7 Local lad Ronnie Moran rose through the youth ranks at Liverpool via the 'C' team and this was taken when the club were in the Second Division Credit: PA:Press Association

Moran was hugely admired for his ability to get the best out of players and worked under Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Roy Evans.

Moran was there when they won the European Cups of 1977, 1978, 1981 and 1984 and helped mastermind a period of domestic dominance where he helped win two league titles as a player and 11 on the coaching staff.

Former Liverpool players like Jamie Carragher have tweeted about their respect for the former coach.

He said: "Very sad news with the passing of Ronnie Moran this morning, a legendary figure @LFC & learnt me & others an awful lot. R.I.P."

Michael Owen said: "So sad to learn that Ronnie Moran passed away last night. A truly pivotal figure @LFC during the most successful years in their history."

Ronnie Moran 1934-2017 Facts, dates and honours 1934: Born in Liverpool 1949: Signs professional forms with Liverpool FC 1952: Made first-team debut for Liverpool against Derby County 1957: Marries wife Joyce... and helps Liverpool beat Barnsley the same day 1962: Liverpool promoted from old Second Division, Moran playing 16 games while fighting injury 1964: Mainstay at left back for Liverpool as they win the First Division under Bill Shankly 1965: Misses out on first team for FA Cup final against Leeds 1966: Liverpool win the First Division championship again 1967: Shankly asks him to join the Boot Room 1971: Takes charge of reserve team as they win Central League Championship 1977 to 1984: Liverpool win FOUR European Cups in an incredible seven-year spell 1991: Takes over as 'caretaker' boss for ten games after Kenny Dalglish resigns 1992: Takes over as 'caretaker' while Graeme Souness recovers from heart surgery and leads Liverpool out for the FA Cup final 1998: Announces his retirement from football 2013: Family announce he is suffering from vascular dementia 2017: Dies aged 83

So sad to learn that Ronnie Moran passed away last night. A truly pivotal figure @LFC during the most successful years in their history. — michael owen (@themichaelowen) March 22, 2017

Very sad news with the passing of Ronnie Moran this morning, a legendary figure @LFC & learnt me & others an awful lot. R.I.P. — Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 22, 2017

So so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and mentor Ronnie Moran a true LFC great RIP BUGGSY — Phil Thompson (@Phil_Thompson4) March 22, 2017

Absolutely devastated to here the news of Ronnie Moran I will be forever indebted to him for my time @LFC the man's a true legend god bless. — Jason Mcateer (@MCATEER4) March 22, 2017

We are deeply saddened at the passing of a Merseyside football great, Ronnie Moran. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/RHEgtxOKbA — Everton (@Everton) March 22, 2017

7 Ronnie Moran, Kenny Dalglish and Roy Evans with the First Division trophy Credit: Getty Images

7 Ronnie Moran (right) in the dugout with former Liverpool boss Graeme Souness Credit: Getty Images

7 Ronnie Moran in action for Liverpool during his playing days against Fulham at Craven Cottage Credit: PA:Press Association

The clubs said in a statement: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of club legend Ronnie Moran, aged 83.

"The revered former player, captain, coach and caretaker manager - and much more besides - passed away on Wednesday morning.

"Moran first joined the Reds as a player in 1949, signing professional forms three years later, and subsequently dedicated five decades of his life to the insatiable and successful pursuit of collecting trophies.

"A defender during his own career - which involved 379 appearances, including 47 as skipper - his connection with Liverpool continued far beyond his days on the pitch, as a founding member of the fabled Boot Room and in a variety of backroom roles until 1998.

"The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool FC are with Ronnies' family and friends during this difficult time."