Ray Clemence: goalkeeper’s greatest achievements at Liverpool, why he left for Spurs, and when he returned to Anfield

Supporters of Liverpool, Tottenham and England are celebrating the life of goalkeeper Ray Clemence following his passing at the age of 72.

A stalwart of Bob Paisley’s Liverpool side of the 1970s and early 1980s, Clemence was between the sticks during three of Reds’ European Cup triumphs, and five of their First Division titles.

The Skegness-born stopper was widely regarded as one of the great ‘keepers of his generation, playing key roles in Tottenham’s FA Cup and UEFA Cup victories during the twilight of his career.

Clemence’s career also saw him claim 61 caps for the national side.

Scunthorpe to Liverpool

Before Clemence joined Liverpool’s legends in the making, he played for then Division 3 outfit Scunthorpe United, after a brief period as an amateur with Notts County.

Clemence made his debut for the club as a 17-year-old, earning the number 1 jersey at the Lincolnshire club as a teenager.

Making 48 appearances over a three-year span, Clemence would catch the eye of Bill Shankly who signed him for £18k from United.

The infancy of his spell with Liverpool was spent in development, before a break into the starting 11 in 1970, coinciding with a golden age in the club’s history.

What were Clemence’s biggest achievements at Anfield?

Clemence would taste failure before triumph at Anfield, losing to Arsenal in the 1971 FA Cup Final, powerless to keep out goals from Charlie George and Eddie Kelly.