Aston Villa have led the tributes following the death of club legend Jimmy Rimmer. The former goalkeeper has died at the age of 78, it has been confirmed.
Rimmer made 229 league appearances for Villa, playing a big part in the club winning the European Cup in 1982, despite being subbed off early in the first half of the final against Bayern Munich.
Club statement
In a statement, Villa wrote: "Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer, who has died at the age of 78. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jimmy's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Rimmer was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, and arguably one of the unluckiest when it came to big occasions. Despite collecting two European Cup winner’s medals, he wasn’t on the pitch at the end of either final.
Career highlights
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.
This is a breaking story... more to follow.
