European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer dies aged 78
Clubs issue statements of condolence as career highlights, including a 1968 bench spot and a 1982 start, are reviewed following his passing.
Jimmy Rimmer, the goalkeeper who featured in two European Cup finals for different clubs, has died at the age of 78. The Southport-born player’s career spanned significant periods at Arsenal, Swansea City, Aston Villa, and Manchester United, culminating in a legacy defined by his contributions to English football’s elite tier.
Rimmer was on the bench when Manchester United defeated Benfica to secure the 1968 European Cup title. He later joined Aston Villa in 1977, where he spent seven years and made 229 league appearances. His tenure at Villa included a league title-winning campaign in the 1980-81 season and a decisive role in their 1982 European Cup triumph.
In the 1982 final against Bayern Munich, Rimmer started the match and played nine minutes before being substituted due to a neck injury. He had started every game of Villa’s run to the final, including the 1-0 victory over the German side, which saw Nigel Spink replace him on the pitch.
Prior to his move to the Midlands, Rimmer established himself at Arsenal, where he was named player of the season in the 1974-75 campaign. His international career included a single England cap, earned in a friendly match against Italy in 1976, following earlier spells at Swansea City and Arsenal.
Both Aston Villa and Manchester United have issued statements expressing that they were deeply saddened by Rimmer’s death. Former United teammate and fellow goalkeeper Alex Stepney also paid tribute on social media, offering condolences to Rimmer’s family.
