Aston Villa have announced the death of European Cup-winning goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer at the age of 78.
Rimmer was a central figure during one of the greatest periods in Villa’s history, helping the club win the First Division title in 1980/81 before being part of the side that lifted the European Cup the following season.
Villa confirmed the news on Friday, with the club paying tribute to a goalkeeper they regarded as one of the finest of his generation. The thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with Rimmer’s family and friends.
Jimmy Rimmer was part of Aston Villa’s greatest side
Rimmer joined Villa from Arsenal in 1977 and went on to make 287 appearances in league and cup competitions for the club.
He was ever-present during the 1980/81 campaign as Ron Saunders’ side were crowned champions of England, ending Villa’s 71-year wait for a league title.
European glory followed a year later.
Rimmer played throughout Villa’s run to the 1982 European Cup final against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam, but his night was cruelly cut short after only nine minutes when a neck injury forced him off.
Nigel Spink replaced him and produced an inspired performance before Peter Withe scored the only goal as Villa defeated Bayern 1-0.
Rimmer recovered sufficiently to return to the dugout and celebrate one of the most famous nights in Aston Villa history with his team-mates. ReadAstonVilla has previously looked back at Villa’s historic European Cup triumph and the celebrations that followed in Birmingham.
It was Rimmer’s second European Cup winners’ medal. He had also been part of Manchester United’s squad when they defeated Benfica at Wembley in 1968, although he was an unused substitute in that final.
The goalkeeper also represented Arsenal before moving to Villa and won one senior England cap during his career.
His contribution to Villa’s league title and European Cup triumph ensures Rimmer’s place among the most important players in the club’s history.
Aston Villa have lost one of the men who helped deliver their greatest era.
