Jimmy Rimmer, the goalkeeper who twice tasted European Cup glory without finishing either final on the pitch, has died at the age of 78.legbegan began began was defined by a strange twist of fate that saw him collect two of the biggest medals in club football while watching the closing stages from the sidelines.
Born in Southport, Rimmer began his career at Manchester United, but found his path to the first team blocked by Alex Stepney. He was named among the substitutes when United defeated Benfica at Wembley to win the 1968 European Cup, though he did not take to the pitch as United triumphed 4-1 after extra time.
Unable to establish himself as United's number one, Rimmer moved on to Arsenal in 1974, where he impressed enough to be named the club's player of the season in 1974-75. He also earned his only England cap during this period, appearing in a friendly against Italy in 1976.
Three years after joining Arsenal, Rimmer signed for Aston Villa, a move that would define his career. He became a mainstay of the Villa side, playing every match as the club won the First Division title in the 1980-81 season. He also started every game of Villa's run to the 1982 European Cup final against Bayern Munich in Rotterdam.
However, fate intervened once again. Just nine minutes into the final, Rimmer was forced off with a neck injury and replaced by Nigel Spink, who was making only his second appearance for the club. Spink went on to keep a clean sheet as Peter Withe scored the only goal of the game in the second half, securing Villa's first and only European Cup triumph. For the second time in his career, Rimmer had been on the losing end of circumstance despite being part of a winning team, watching the trophy lift from outside the action.
Spink's heroics that night effectively ended Rimmer's time as Villa's first-choice goalkeeper. He left for Swansea City in 1983 having made more than 200 appearances for the Midlands club, with figures showing 229 league outings during his spell there. After Swansea, he had brief stints with Maltese side Hamrun Spartan and then Luton Town, before retiring from playing in 1986.
Rimmer's post-playing career saw him move into coaching, initially taking up a goalkeeping coach role at Swansea. He later had two spells as caretaker manager of the Welsh club during the 1995-96 season. His coaching journey eventually took him abroad, where he spent several years in China working with the national team as well as club side Dalian Shide.
News of Rimmer's death prompted tributes from across the football world. Aston Villa released a statement saying the club was "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer," adding that he was "one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, and arguably one of the unluckiest when it came to big occasions," noting that despite collecting two European Cup winner's medals, he was never on the pitch at the conclusion of either final.
Manchester United also paid tribute, stating they were "deeply saddened by the loss" of their former goalkeeper, while Arsenal likewise honored his memory. Former United teammate Alex Stepney, who had kept Rimmer out of the side at Old Trafford, wrote on social media: "Such sad news to hear Jimmy Rimmer has passed away, rest in peace and lots of love to Jimmy's family x."
Rimmer is survived by his family and friends, who have been remembered in the tributes issued by the clubs he served throughout his long career in football.
Based on reporting from The Independent and BBC Sport.