November 7, 2024

Ray Clemence, former Liverpool goalkeeping great, dies at 72

Ray Clemence #RayClemence

FILE - In this Nov. 19, 1975 file photo, England's goalkeeper Ray Clemence, second right, saves the ball from an attacking Portugese player, unnamed, during the European Nations Cupmatch in Lisbon, Portugal. Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72. The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 without giving a cause of death. (AP Photo, File) © Provided by Associated Press FILE – In this Nov. 19, 1975 file photo, England’s goalkeeper Ray Clemence, second right, saves the ball from an attacking Portugese player, unnamed, during the European Nations Cupmatch in Lisbon, Portugal. Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72. The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 without giving a cause of death. (AP Photo, File)

LONDON (AP) — Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72.

The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday without giving a cause of death.

Clemence, one of the greatest English goalkeepers of his generation, won three European Cups and five top-tier league titles during a trophy-laden spell at Liverpool.

FILE - In this Oct 26, 2013 file photo, England's goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence poses for a photo during an event. Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72. The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 without giving a cause of death. (Leon Neal/PA via AP, File) © Provided by Associated Press FILE – In this Oct 26, 2013 file photo, England’s goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence poses for a photo during an event. Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72. The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 without giving a cause of death. (Leon Neal/PA via AP, File)

He made 61 England appearances and was a rival for the No. 1 shirt with Peter Shilton, who accumulated 125 caps.

Clemence was a key member of the Liverpool team that dominated Europe between 1977 and 1981, and also picked up two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup and the League Cup.

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2010 file photo, England goalkeeper coach Ray Clemence is photographed. Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72. The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 without giving a cause of death. (David Davies/PA via AP, File) © Provided by Associated Press FILE – In this Sept. 3, 2010 file photo, England goalkeeper coach Ray Clemence is photographed. Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72. The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 without giving a cause of death. (David Davies/PA via AP, File)

At Tottenham, which he joined in 1981 aged 32 for a fee of then 300,000 pounds ($390,000), he won another UEFA Cup and FA Cup.

Clemence is survived by his wife Veronica, son Stephen — a former player himself and now a coach — and daughters Sarah and Julie.

“With great sadness, we write to let you know that Ray Clemence passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family,” said a statement from the Clemence family.

“After fighting so hard, for such a long time, he’s now at peace and in no more pain.”

FILE - In this Saturday, June 12, 2010 file photo, England's David Beckham, right, leaves the pitch with goalkeeper coach Ray Clemence after the World Cup group C soccer match between England and the United States at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72. The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 without giving a cause of death. (AP Photo/Tom Curley, File) © Provided by Associated Press FILE – In this Saturday, June 12, 2010 file photo, England’s David Beckham, right, leaves the pitch with goalkeeper coach Ray Clemence after the World Cup group C soccer match between England and the United States at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. Ray Clemence, the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper, has died. He was 72. The Football Association confirmed the news Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 without giving a cause of death. (AP Photo/Tom Curley, File)

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Leave a Reply