Ray Clemence

Legendary Liverpool and England goalkeeper, winner of three European Cups and five league titles.

Raymond Neal Clemence (5 August 1948 – 15 November 2020) was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, he is one of the few players to have made over 1,100 career appearances. As part of the Liverpool team of the 1970s, Clemence won three European Cups, five League titles, two UEFA Cups, a European Super Cup, an FA Cup and a League Cup; the last of his 665 appearances for the club was the victorious 1981 European Cup final. In 1981, after being phased out at Liverpool, Clemence joined Tottenham Hotspur, winning a UEFA Cup, an FA Cup, and a Charity Shield with them, before retiring from football in 1988. Clemence played internationally for England from 1972 to 1983, and represented the country at UEFA Euro 1980 and the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

Quick Facts

Full name: Raymond Neal Clemence
Born: 5 August 1948
Birthplace: Skegness, Lincolnshire, England
Died: 15 November 2020
Place of death: Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, England
Height: 1.83 m / 6 ft
Position: Goalkeeper
Total caps: 758

Lore & Background

Born in Skegness, Lincolnshire, Clemence played eight matches on trial for Notts County, but was ultimately not signed. He was spotted by Scunthorpe United whilst playing in a county-cup final at their Old Showground ground for his local youth club Skegness Cosmos. After starring in the Cosmos' 4-3 victory, Clemence was invited for formal trials with The Iron, which he duly passed. Clemence went on to sign professional terms for Scunthorpe on his 17th birthday, 5 August 1965.

He made his professional debut in a 1–1 draw at home to Swansea Town on 2 April 1966. Clemence made four appearances in his debut season, including earning his first professional clean sheet in a 1–0 victory away at Southend United. He became Scunthorpe's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper in the 1966–67 Third Division campaign. Despite a humiliating 7–1 defeat away to Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe's faith never wavered, and he made 46 consecutive starts.

His run took his figures to 50 appearances and 12 clean sheets in all competitions for Scunthorpe. Liverpool's bid for the 18-year-old was accepted, and the Scunthorpe chairman personally drove Clemence to Anfield. Clemence was signed by Liverpool manager Bill Shankly on 24 June 1967 from Scunthorpe United for a fee of £18,000. He made his debut and kept his first clean sheet in a League Cup third round tie at Anfield on 25 September 1968, Swansea Town beaten 2–0.

He became the club's first choice goalkeeper in 1970. In 1971, Liverpool reached the FA Cup final, where Clemence played well but Arsenal scored twice in extra time to win 2–1. In 1973, Liverpool won both the League title and UEFA Cup, with Clemence saving a penalty from Jupp Heynckes in the final of the latter. The 1973–74 season saw Liverpool win the FA Cup with a 3–0 victory over Newcastle United.

Liverpool won another League and UEFA Cup double in 1976. In 1977, they won the League title and the European Cup for the first time, defeating Borussia Mönchengladbach 3–1. Liverpool retained the European Cup in 1978 with a 1–0 win over Club Brugge. In 1979 and 1980, Clemence kept goal as Liverpool clinched the League title each season.

The 1978–79 League success saw Clemence set a record, conceding only 16 goals in 42 league matches. In 1981, Liverpool won the League Cup and the European Cup for the third time, the latter with a 1–0 win over Real Madrid on 27 May.

Did You Know?

Clemence lived in the same digs in Scunthorpe that were later occupied by his future England and Liverpool teammate Kevin Keegan.
He was scouted by Liverpool manager Bill Shankly in 12 games before being signed for £18,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ray Clemence?

Ray Clemence served as Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper for fourteen seasons during the club's most successful period. He is widely regarded as one of football's greatest custodians for anchoring the defense through a golden era.

What major trophies did he win with the Reds?

His trophy cabinet includes three European Cups, five League Titles, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup, and a League Cup. These honours reflect his pivotal role in transforming Liverpool into European royalty.