FORMER ASTON VILLA GOALKEEPER JIMMY RIMMER DIES AGED 78

Jimmy Rimmer, the European Cup winner who played for Aston Villa and Manchester United, has died at the age of 78. Rimmer was born in Southport and began his career with Manchester United, where he was on the bench when the club defeated Benfica to win the 1968 European Cup. He later joined Aston Villa, where he made 229 league appearances for the Midlands club and started every match during their 1980-81 league title-winning campaign.

Rimmer started Aston Villa's 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final but was replaced by Nigel Spink after nine minutes because of a neck injury. He also spent time with Swansea City and Arsenal, winning the latter's player of the season award in 1974-75. Rimmer earned one England cap, appearing in a friendly match against Italy in 1976.

Both Aston Villa and Manchester United issued statements saying they were "deeply saddened" by Rimmer's death. Alex Stepney, Rimmer's former team-mate and fellow goalkeeper at Manchester United, posted a tribute on social media describing the news as "sad" and sending condolences to Rimmer's family.