Legendary goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer dies aged 78 as Aston Villa pay tribute

Legendary Aston Villa goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer has passed away.

Rimmer, who also played for Manchester United and Arsenal, was 78 at the time of his passing.

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Aston Villa release statement on Jimmy Rimmer’s passing

“Rimmer was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, and arguably one of the unluckiest when it came to big occasions,” a Villa statement read.

“Despite collecting two European Cup winner’s medals, he wasn’t on the pitch at the end of either final.

“He was on the bench at Wembley in 1968 as Manchester United beat Benfica 4-1 and played for just nine minutes for Villa against Bayern Munich in 1982 before a neck injury forced him to be substituted by Nigel Spink in Rotterdam.

“Rimmer was in tears in the dressing room as he received treatment from club doctor David Targett, although he was back in the dug-out in time to witness Peter Withe’s winning goal and join in the post-match celebrations.

“Even so, he was one of just five Villa players to figure in the starting line-up in all nine of our European Cup matches that season – and had been one of seven ever-presents in the title-winning campaign of 1980-81.”

Jimmy Rimmer’s career at a glance

Rimmer joined United as a schoolboy in 1963 and turned professional only two years later.

The gloveman remained at Old Trafford for 11 years, although it was primarily spent as Alex Stepney’s understudy.

Rimmer then joined Arsenal in 1974.

During his time with the Gunners, Rimmer won his first and only England cap.

Rimmer moved to Aston Villa after three years in north London for just £65,000.

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He went on to make 287 appearances for the West Midlands club across all competitions.

Rimmer called time on his Villa career in 1983 when he joined Swansea.

The Southport native hung up the gloves in 1986 and later moved into coaching.

Rimmer even had two brief spells as caretaker boss of Swansea during the 1995/96 season.

After the tragic news of Rimmer’s passing was confirmed, his former United teammate Stepney wrote on X: “Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy’s family.”

Wayne Barton, who has penned a number of United-related books, said: “Rest in peace Jimmy Rimmer. Incredibly nice guy. A unique place in football history is his.”