Unyielding concentration was pivotal playing behind a dominant Liverpool side, when under demanding pressure Ray rarely made errors
Ray Clemence drawn to action for Liverpool against Tottenham during the UEFA cup semi-final in 1973
England legend Ray Clemence, aged 72, has died ‘peacefully’ his family announced. The former rock of Liverpool and Tottenham’s goal in the 70-80’s, was suggested to be one of the most significant shot-stoppers of his era.
From working as a deckchair attendant in the summer of 1967 on Skegness beach and potentially giving up his football path, his dream of playing football was halted even more after a catastrophic display in front of Bill Shankly whilst playing for Scunthorpe United.
He said: “I had an absolute nightmare, “We lost 3-0, two of the goals were my fault and I remember telling my parents my big chance had just gone straight out of the window.”
However, after a tricky start he soon found his form and earnt a move to first division giants Liverpool in 1967.
The goalkeeper’s family said in a statement: “He is now in peace and in no more pain.”
The Ex-England goalkeeper, won respectable majors with both Liverpool and Spurs during his career, including three European Cups and five First Division titles during a governing spell at Anfield.
Clemence, whom joined the North London side in 1981, aged 32 for around £300,000, saw FA cup and European triumph for Spurs in what is yet to be their only success in Europe to this day. His playing career was capped of gaining a respectable 61 caps for the England National side.
Following his £18,000 move from Scunthorpe by Bill Shankly, Clemence proved to be the vital core for the red side of Merseyside and their successes between 1977 and 1981.
Current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp paid his respects to Clemence, “He was an extraordinary player and wonderful person.
"This is an extremely sad moment for everyone associated with Liverpool FC and we, as the current team and management, send all our love to the family," Said Klopp.
After retirement in 1998, Clemence took up a goalkeeper coach role within the FA, which proved to be a successful romance.
England players showed their tributes by wearing black armbands during their Nations League game in Belgium on Sunday evening, and shall continue to show respect going into Wednesday’s match against Iceland at Wembley.
The family of Ray Clemence, said a huge thank you for all the supportive messages that he’s received over the years, “He was loved so much by us all and he will never be forgotten.”
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