European Cup winner Rimmer dies aged 78

European Cup winner and former Aston Villa and Manchester United goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer has died at the age of 78.

The Southport-born goalkeeper was on the bench when United beat Benfica to win the 1968 European Cup.

Rimmer started Villa’s 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final, though he was replaced by Nigel Spink after nine minutes because of a neck injury.

He started every game of Villa’s run to the final, as he did in their league title-winning campaign of 1980-81.

Rimmer made 229 league appearances for the Midlands club, and also spent time with Swansea City and Arsenal. He won the latter’s player of the season award in 1974-75.

Rimmer earned one England cap in a friendly against Italy in 1976.

Aston Villa and Manchester United both said they were “deeply saddened” by Rimmer’s death, while Arsenal also paid tribute.

Rimmer’s former United team-mate Alex Stepney, a fellow goalkeeper, said 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.”