Ray Clemence: Former England, Liverpool and Tottenham goalkeeper dies aged 72

On Nov 15, 2020

Former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence has died at the age of 72, the Football Association has announced.

Clemence, who won three European Cups and five First Division titles during a trophy-laden spell at Anfield, was arguably one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation.

He won 61 England caps, which would undoubtedly have been many more had he not been competing with Peter Shilton, who accumulated 125, for the No 1 shirt.

“With great sadness, we write to let you know that Ray Clemence passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family,” said a statement from the Clemence family.

“After fighting so hard, for such a long time, he’s now at peace and in no more pain.

“The family would like to say a huge thank you, for all the love and support that he’s received over the years.

“He was loved so much by us all and he will never be forgotten.”

Clemence began his career at Scunthorpe United in 1966 where he made 46 appearances for the third division club before Liverpool manager Bill Shankly bought the 18-year-old for £18,000 in June 1967.

The young goalkeeper had to bide his time in the reserves before replacing Tommy Lawrence on a permanent basis during the 1969-70 campaign.

Clemence made an incredible 665 appearances for the Reds winning five league titles, three European Cups, two UEFA Cups, the European Super Cup, FA Cup and League Cup.

He played 336 games without missing a single match from September 1972 until March 1978 while only two players have made more first-team appearances for the club, Ian Callaghan and Jamie Carragher

Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the 1981 European Cup final at the Parc des Princes turned out to be Clemence’s last game for the Reds before he joined Tottenham for £300,000.

He made his league debut for Spurs against Middlesbrough in August 1981 and went on to play 240 times for the London club.

Injury forced Clemence to forfeit his place in the side for the 1984 UEFA Cup final win over Anderlecht, but he was on the bench in a match famously won when Tony Parks saved twice during the penalty shootout.

He reached a fifth FA Cup final in 1987 when Spurs lost to Coventry City and became one of a select group of players to appear in five or more FA Cup finals.