Jimmy Rimmer, European Cup Winner, Dies at 78
Key Points
- Rimmer was on the bench when Manchester United beat Benfica to win the 1968 European Cup.
- He started Aston Villa's 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final but was replaced by Nigel Spink after nine minutes due to a neck injury.
- Rimmer made 229 league appearances for Aston Villa and earned one England cap in a friendly against Italy in 1976.
Both Aston Villa and Manchester United released statements saying they were "deeply saddened" by Rimmer's death, with Arsenal also paying tribute. Alex Stepney, Rimmer's former Manchester United teammate and fellow goalkeeper, wrote on social media: "Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy's family x."
Rimmer's career demonstrates the competitive goalkeeping landscape of 1970s English football, where even players with European Cup-winning credentials could find themselves on the bench or sidelined by injury. His experience at multiple top clubs and his presence during United's 1968 continental triumph positioned him as one of England's notable goalkeeping options of that era, though his single international cap suggests he faced fierce competition for the national team position.
Sources: BBC Sport and other international news outlets.
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