The latest episode of BBC Radio Merseyside’s A to Z of Liverpool highlights the letter C, featuring the iconic goalkeeper Ray Clemence, the 1995 Coca-Cola Cup final, and Ian Callaghan.
Considered one of the finest goalkeepers of the post-war era, Clemence boasts an impressive legacy of triumphs with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, showcasing his exceptional talent.
As a pivotal member of successful Liverpool teams under the guidance of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley during the 1970s and early ’80s, Clemence helped secure numerous trophies both domestically and internationally before transitioning to White Hart Lane for additional success.
Reflecting on Clemence’s impact at Liverpool, BBC Radio Merseyside’s Ian Kennedy stated: “When it comes to identifying the best goalkeeper for your team, in the case of Liverpool, it often depends on your age and who you’ve witnessed. For those too young to remember Ray Clemence, they might lean towards Alisson. Bruce Grobbelaar was solid and collected a host of accolades with Liverpool, but for those who, like me, experienced the latter part of Clemence’s career at Anfield, it’s clear he was an exceptional goalkeeper.”
“Clemence’s accolades include three European Cups, five league titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the European Super Cup. Remarkably, he was Liverpool’s goalkeeper throughout the 1970s when the club was a dominating force in football, continuing into the early ’80s.” Kenndy noted the commanding presence Clemence had in goal, comparing him to the former sweeper-keeper Tommy Lawrence. “He was a superb shot-stopper with minimal errors,” Kennedy emphasized.
“The only significant mistake I can recall was during his time with England against Scotland at Hampden Park when a shot went through his legs. Aside from that, it’s hard to pinpoint any faults. His long career at Liverpool was impressive, but even after leaving, he found continued success at Tottenham, winning the FA Cup in 1982. It’s a testament to his resilience and talent; had it not been for Peter Shilton, he could have easily achieved 200 caps for England.”
For the full discussion, listen here or on BBC Sounds