Former Swansea City player and coach Jimmy Rimmer has died at the age of 78.
The former goalkeeper, who won two European Cups with Aston Villa and represented both Arsenal and Manchester United, spent three years with Swansea between 1983 and 1986, having spent time on loan there earlier in his career.
Swansea coaching and caretaker spells
After retiring from playing, Rimmer, who lived in Gorseinon, became Swansea's goalkeeping coach and had two spells as caretaker manager at the club during the 1995/96 season.
He firstly took over from fellow caretaker boss Bobby Smith, who quit after a dispute with the club chairman after manager Frank Burrows had already handed in his resignation. Rimmer was then succeeded by Kevin Cullis, whose disastrous reign lasted just seven days before he departed and the former goalkeeper was placed in charge once again.
He was replaced by Jan Molby less than two weeks later.
Tributes from former clubs
Tributes have poured in for the legendary goalkeeper following his death, with an Aston Villa statement reading: “Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer, who has died at the age of 78.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Rimmer's former Manchester United teammate Alex Stepney also paid tribute, writing: “Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy’s family x.”
United posted on X: "Manchester United are deeply saddened by the loss of our former goalkeeper, Jimmy Rimmer. Our thoughts are with Jimmy's loved ones at this difficult time."
England career and Villa record
Rimmer earned one cap for England, during his time with the Gunners. He represented Villa on 229 league occasions.
Villa added in their statement: "Rimmer was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, and arguably one of the unluckiest when it came to big occasions. Despite collecting two European Cup winner’s medals, he wasn’t on the pitch at the end of either final."
