European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer has died at the age of 78. Tributes have flooded in from across the football world for the legend, who played for Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa throughout his career.
Career at Manchester United and Arsenal
Born in Southport, Rimmer spent 11 years at Manchester United after making his debut in 1965. The goalkeeper was largely used as a substitute for Alex Stepney and was on the bench for the 1968 European Cup Final before he moved to Arsenal in 1974.
Aston Villa success
Rimmer made a real name for himself in the sport during his time at Aston Villa. He made over 220 appearances for the club after joining in 1977.
In 1982 Villa reached the European Cup final, but Rimmer was injured after only nine minutes and had to be replaced by Nigel Spink. Villa triumphed with a 1-0 win against Bayern Munich, meaning Rimmer became the second player, after Saul Malatrasi, to win a European Cup winners' medal at two clubs.
Club statement
Aston Villa released a statement on Friday, August 14 to confirm Rimmer's death.
The statement said: “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 post described Rimmer as one of the "finest goalkeepers of his generation". It 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."
"He was on the bench at Wembley in 1968 as Manchester United beat Benfica 4-1 and played for just nine minutes for Villa against Bayern Munich in 1982 before a neck injury forced him to be substituted by Nigel Spink in Rotterdam."
"Rimmer was in tears in the dressing room as he received treatment from club doctor David Targett, although he was back in the dug-out in time to witness Peter Withe’s winning goal and join in the post-match celebrations. Even so, he was one of just five Villa players to figure in the starting line-up in all nine of our European Cup matches that season – and had been one of seven ever-presents in the title-winning campaign of 1980-81."
Born in Southport in February 1948, Rimmer joined United as a schoolboy in 1963 and turned professional two years later. He spent 11 years at Old Trafford, essentially as an understudy to Alex Stepney, and had a loan spell with Swansea City before signing for Arsenal in 1974.
"Three years later, Ron Saunders took him to Villa Park for a bargain £65,000. After making his debut at Queens Park Rangers his consistent performances meant he was the club’s first choice keeper for six consecutive seasons, making a total of 287 league and cup appearances."
"After recovering from his neck injury, he was Villa’s regular goalkeeper for the first half of the 1982-83 campaign before playing his final game in a Second City derby just after Christmas. He returned to Swansea in 1983, this time on a permanent basis, and later coached in Canada. Rest in Peace, Jimmy."
Social media tributes
Adding to the comments on social media, Manchester United legend Alex Stepney said: “Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy’s family x.”
One user called Jamie said: "A truly great goalkeeper. RIP Jimmy." Another called Darren said: "Absolute legend RIP". A third said: "Best Villa goalie ever, no questions, so unlucky that Shilton and Clemence were around at the same time, but should have still been capped by England. RIP Jimmy." A fourth wrote: "A truly brilliant goalkeeper. Would have had 50+ caps in a different era. RIP Jimmy."
