Jimmy Rimmer, the English goalkeeper who claimed European Cup winner’s medals with Manchester United and Aston Villa fourteen years apart, has died at the age of 78, according to an announcement by Aston Villa on Friday.
Aston Villa Tribute and Goalkeeping Career Legacy
Aston Villa described Rimmer as “one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, and arguably one of the unluckiest when it came to big occasions,” according to the club statement. Rimmer made more than 200 appearances for Villa, serving as an ever-present during the club’s English league title-winning campaign in the 1980-81 season, according to reporting by The Independent. He started all nine of Villa’s matches during their 1981-82 European Cup run before moving to Swansea in 1983.
Two European Finals From Very Different Perspectives
Rimmer’s career was defined by unique European Cup triumphs where his personal participation on the pitch contrasted sharply. In 1968, he collected his first winner’s medal with Manchester United after sitting on the bench as backup to Alex Stepney during a 4-1 victory against Benfica at Wembley Stadium, as reported by The Associated Press. Fourteen years later in the 1982 final in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Rimmer started for Aston Villa against Bayern Munich, but came off with a neck injury after just nine minutes and watched the rest from the locker room in tears before joining the post-match celebrations following Peter Withe’s winner.
Did you know? After Rimmer suffered his early neck injury in the 1982 final, substitute goalkeeper Nigel Spink replaced him to keep a clean sheet, securing Villa’s first and only European Cup title to date.
Club History and International Appearance
Born in England, Rimmer began his professional career at Old Trafford, playing for Manchester United from 1965 to 1974 before finding his path blocked by Alex Stepney. He then spent three years at Arsenal from 1974 to 1977 before joining Aston Villa. Following his stint at Villa Park and Swansea, Rimmer played for Maltese club Hamrun Spartan and Luton Town before retiring in 1986. At the international level, Rimmer earned one cap for the England national team, appearing in a friendly match against Italy in 1976.
Post-Playing Career in Coaching
After hanging up his boots, Rimmer transitioned into coaching. He served as a goalkeeping coach at Swansea, where he also took charge as caretaker manager during the 1995-96 season, according to The Independent. Later in his career, he spent several years working abroad as a goalkeeping coach for the Chinese national team and the club side Dalian Shide.
Tributes From Former Clubs
Manchester United released a statement on social media via X following the news of his passing. The club stated they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of their former goalkeeper and added, “Our thoughts are with Jimmy’s loved ones at this difficult time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did Jimmy Rimmer win the European Cup with?
Jimmy Rimmer won the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968 and Aston Villa in 1982.
Why did Rimmer leave the 1982 European Cup final early?
Rimmer came off with a neck injury just nine minutes into the match against Bayern Munich and was replaced by Nigel Spink.
How many caps did Jimmy Rimmer earn for England?
Rimmer played once for the England national team in a friendly match against Italy in 1976.
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