Former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence has died at the age of 72
Former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence dies ‘peacefully surrounded by his family’ aged 72: FA say the star ‘is now at peace and in no more pain’
- Former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence has died at the age of 72
- Clemence played for Liverpool and Tottenham during an illustrious career
- He won 61 caps and was arguably one of the greatest GK’s of his generation
- England players will wear armbands during Nations League game in Belgium
- Jamie Carragher and Piers Morgan are among those paying tribute to Clemence
England goalkeeping great Ray Clemence has died ‘peacefully surrounded by his family’ at the age of 72, it has today been announced.
The former Liverpool and Tottenham stopper, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, won three European Cups and five First Division titles during a trophy-laden spell at Anfield,
Clemence, who also saw domestic and European success with Spurs, won 61 caps for the England national side.
After retiring in 1998, and taking a coaching role with the FA, Clemence was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005.
Today the goalkeeper’s family said in a statement, praising his fight, that he was ‘now at peace’ and ‘in no more pain’.
Tributes have also flooded in, including one from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who described Clemence as a ‘giant of a man’.
In a statement, released by the FA, Clemence’s family said: ‘With great sadness we write to let you know that Ray Clemence passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family.
‘After fighting so hard, for such a long time, he’s now at peace and in no more pain.
Former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence has died at the age of 72
Clemence was arguably one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation
He won 61 England caps and won three European Cups and five First Division titles
‘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.’
England players will now wear black armbands during their Nations League game in Belgium on Sunday evening and will pay tribute to Clemence before Wednesday’s match against Iceland match at Wembley.
An £18,000 signing from Scunthorpe by Bill Shankly, Clemence was a key member of the Liverpool team which dominated Europe between 1977 and 1981, and also picked up two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup and the League Cup.
Clemence is survived by his wife Veronica (left) and three children Sarah, Julie and Stephen
Clemence has a mural in Liverpool and was a key member of the team that dominated Europe
The FA released a statement the former goalkeeper had ‘passed away peacefully’
At Tottenham, whom he joined in 1981 aged 32 for a fee of £300,000, he won another UEFA Cup and FA Cup.
He also won 61 caps for England, making his debut against Wales in a World Cup Qualifier in 1972 – which England won 1-0.
He was a regular for the national side between 1972 and 1983 was part of the Euro 1980 and World Cup 1982 squads.
But his appearances were limited by the brilliance of another England great – Peter Shilton.
Shilton held the Number One shirt for most of the 1980s and obtained 125 caps – an England record which stands today.
Clemence retired from international football in 1983. He continued to play for Tottenham until 1988 when he retired after suffering an injury a year earlier.
He later held coaching roles with Spurs and with England.
Today Liverpool paid tribute to their former keeper and Kop legend, as they tweeted: ‘We’re deeply saddened by the passing of one of the greatest ever goalkeepers, Ray Clemence.
‘The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ray’s family and many friends.
‘Rest in peace, Ray Clemence 1948-2020.’
Sir Kenny Dalglish described Clemence as a ‘true legend’.
He added on Twitter: ‘Clem was a fantastic teammate and great to be around. I will never forget how he helped me to settle in at Anfield. Our thoughts are with the Clemence family. RIP Clem.’
Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher paid tribute to Clemence, tweeting: RIP Ray Clemence. An LFC giant who was also a giant of a man. #YNWA’
Reds ambassador and ex-striker Ian Rush posted: ‘RIP Ray Clemence, we have lost a true legend! It was an honour to know you and to get the chance to play with you! My thoughts and prayers are with your family’
Piers Morgan also tweeted: ‘More sad news today.. RIP Ray Clemence, 72. One of the greatest goalkeepers in history: 1000+ games incl 61 caps for England, 5 League titles, 3 European Cups, 3 UEFA Cups, 2 FA Cups. Incredible career, and an absolute gentleman.’
Liverpool paid tribute to their former keeper and Kop legend following the news of his death
After his playing days, Clemence joined the England coaching set-up as a goalkeeper coach
After his playing days, Clemence joined the England coaching set-up as he joined forces with former Spurs team-mate and then Three Lions boss Glenn Hoddle in 1996.
He continued to be England’s goalkeeping coach under Kevin Keegan, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren until Fabio Capello took charge.
He returned to the national team backroom staff when Roy Hodgson took over and oversaw the goalkeepers at Euro 2012 before retiring one year later.
Clemence is survived by his wife Veronica, son Stephen – a former player himself and now a coach – and daughters Sarah and Julie.
