Former Aston Villa and Manchester United Goalkeeper dies at 78

Former Manchester United and Aston Villa goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer has died at the age of 78 leaving behind a legacy that includes two European Cups.

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A unique European legacy

Rimmer, born in Southport in 1948, began his footballing journey in the youth ranks at Manchester United. After turning professional in 1965, he spent nine years at Old Trafford, primarily serving as the understudy to Alex Stepney.

Despite his limited playing time, Rimmer was part of the matchday squad and sat on the substitutes' bench when United defeated Benfica 4-1 at Wembley in 1968 making them the first English club to lift the European Cup.

Establishing himself at Arsenal & Aston Villa

Seeking regular first team football, Rimmer departed Manchester in 1974 to join Arsenal. During a highly successful three year spell in north London, he established himself as a top flight regular making 146 appearances and winning the club's Player of the Season award in 1975.

His consistent form also earned him his solitary international cap for the England national team in a 1976 friendly against Italy.

However, his most defining chapter unfolded at Aston Villa, whom he joined in 1977 for £65,000. Rimmer became a cornerstone of Ron Saunders' team, famously playing every single league match as Villa captured the First Division title during the 1980 /81 campaign.

The following year, Rimmer played a vital role in guiding the Midlands club to the 1982 European Cup final against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam. Although a neck injury forced him off the pitch after just nine minutes, to be replaced by young understudy Nigel Spink, his contributions throughout the tournament were essential to Villa securing a historic 1-0 triumph.

The victory etched Rimmer into history as one of the rare players to win the European Cup with two different English teams.

After leaving Villa Park in 1983, Rimmer enjoyed a three year stint with Swansea City before brief spells with Hamrun Spartans in Malta and Luton Town, eventually retiring in 1986.

Tributes from the Football World

Aston Villa officially confirmed his passing on Friday with a heartfelt tribute to their legendary goalkeeper.

"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 club said in a statement.

Former Manchester United teammate Alex Stepney also paid his respects on social media, writing:

"Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy's family"

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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