Jimmy Rimmer, the former Manchester United and Aston Villa goalkeeper, has died at the age of 78. Tributes have been paid to the two-time European Cup winner.
Career highlights
Rimmer came through the youth system at United and was on the bench for their 1968 European Cup final triumph over Benfica. He moved to Villa in 1971, where he enjoyed the most successful period of his career, making 229 league appearances.
He played in every match of Villa's European Cup-winning campaign in 1982, but was substituted off nine minutes into the final against Bayern Munich. During his time at Villa Park, he was largely an understudy to Alex Stepney before moving to Arsenal.
England and later career
While at Arsenal, Rimmer made his solitary appearance for England, playing in a friendly against Italy. He also had a three-year stint with Swansea City before fleeting spells with Hamrun Spartans in Malta and Luton Town, both in 1986.
Tributes
Aston Villa paid tribute in a statement: "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."
The statement added: "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."
