Aston Villa is in mourning after the death of Jimmy Rimmer, the legendary goalkeeper who won two European Cups and made 229 league appearances for the club. The 78-year-old passed away, leaving a legacy as one of the finest shot-stoppers of his generation.
What was Jimmy Rimmer's impact at Aston Villa?
Rimmer joined Aston Villa in 1977, marking the most successful period of his career. He played every match in their 1982 European Cup-winning campaign, though he was substituted early in the final against Bayern Munich. His 229 league appearances solidified his status as a club icon. Villa finished 4th in the Premier League last season with 65 points, a testament to their continued strength.
How did Aston Villa honor Rimmer?
The club released a statement expressing deep sadness, calling Rimmer "one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation." They highlighted his unlucky streak in finals, noting he won two European Cups but wasn’t on the pitch for either final’s conclusion. Former teammate Alex Stepney also paid tribute on social media.
What other clubs did Rimmer play for?
Before Aston Villa, Rimmer was part of Manchester United’s 1968 European Cup-winning squad, though he was on the bench for the final. He also had stints with Arsenal, Swansea City, Hamrun Spartans, and Luton Town. His solitary England cap came during his time at Arsenal in a friendly against Italy.
What’s next for Aston Villa?
As Villa prepares for the new season, they’ll honor Rimmer’s legacy. The team finished last season strong, with a 4-game winning run (WWWWD) and a 2-1 victory over Manchester City on May 24, 2026. They’ll aim to build on that momentum, though they’ll be without Amadou Onana, who is currently sidelined.
