A football legend who represented Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa – winning two European Cups – has sadly died as tributes have flooded in
A Manchester United icon, who won two European Cups, has sadly died with tributes pouring in from across the footballing world.
Jimmy Rimmer, who also played for Arsenal and Aston Villa across a storied career, passed away aged 78 on Friday (August 14). Villa released a statement on social media, confirming his passing: “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.” Rimmer’s former United team-mate Alex Stepney said: “Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy’s family x.”
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Born in Lancashire, the goalkeeper signed for United as a schoolboy, making his first team debut in 1965. And he would spend 11 years at United, where he was primarily used as an understudy for Stepney.
Rimmer was on the bench for the 1968 European Cup final, where United beat Benfica 4-1 at Wembley. However, he only made 46 appearances for United during his spell, and was loaned to Swansea City in 1973, before moving to Arsenal in 1974.
It was at Aston Villa where he truly made his name. Rimmer made 229 league appearances for the side and was integral to their European Cup-winning campaign in 1982, though he was subbed off nine minutes into the final against Bayern Munich.
Rimmer earned one England cap during his career, against Italy in a friendly, he conceded two goals and was substituted at half-time; England went on to recover and win 3-2.
After retiring he was named as Swansea’s goalkeeping coach – and during the 1995/96 season, he had two spells as caretaker manager.
Rimmer also spent several years in China as a goalkeeping coach for the national team.