Top 10 British Keepers of the 70's - No.10 Alex Stepney

Alex Stepney was a mainstay between the posts for Manchester United for 12 years. Signed from Chelsea in 1966 he gained Red Devil immortality the night United beat Benfica to win the European Cup. To open our Top 10 British Keepers of the 70’s – No.10. Alex Stepney

Stepney began his professional career with Millwall in 1963. He amassed 158 appearances in his three seasons with The Lions before moving to Chelsea in a £50,000 deal. However just three months later and after one appearance for Chelsea he was sold to Manchester United. The fee was for a record £55,000.

Alex Stepney: United’s New No.1

Stepney immediately became the new No.1 at old Trafford. Replacing the injured Harry Gregg whose career was nearing its end. He made his first team debut for United against arch-rivals Manchester City in a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. The following season he was instrumental in United winning the First Division title.

If 1967 was a good season for Stepney then 1968 was immense. Despite his good form for United international honours had eluded him. Partly due to the fact that in front of him for England’s No.1 role was none other than Gordon Banks. Not only was Banks in his way but also Peter Bonetti, Ron Springett and Everton’s Gordon West. All were seen as better options at the time for England’s coveted No.1 position.

Cup-Winning Headline Grabber

However, with England already qualifying for the 1968 European Championships Stepney was picked as the backup to Banks. Earning his chance in England’s squad for a friendly against Sweden. In what was to become a momentous week for Stepney he made his one and only England appearance in the victory. Just seven days later he faced the mighty Benfica for Manchester United in the 1968 European Cup Final at Wembley.

With the score at 1-1 and with minutes to spare Stepney thwarted the mercurial Eusebio. Coming up with a save that even the Portuguese legend stopped to applaud. United would eventually go on to win 4-1 with George Best grabbing the headlines. However, to many Stepney’s save was the real match-winner for United on that day.

Overlooked by England

Despite his success at the domestic level, Stepney was often overlooked by England. He failed to add to his one cap. Although he did make the cut for the squad that travelled to Mexico for the 1970 World Cup Finals. With Banks suffering from stomach issues and unable to play in the Quarter-Final matchup with West Germany. Stepney would have fancied his chances of playing. Ramsey however went for the more experienced Bonetti. England squandered a 2-0 lead to eventually lose 3-2 with Bonetti blamed for the defeat by the press.

He continued to play in goal for Manchester United in a period of transition for the club. During this time they were relegated to the Second Division in 1974. For half a season he was replaced by Jimmy Rimmer.

With Tommy Docherty back as manager they bounced back as Division Two champions the following season (1974–75). During this time, Stepney suffered a freak injury when he dislocated his jaw barking instructions at his disorganised defence.

Beaten by The Saints

The next two seasons saw Stepney competing with Paddy Roche for a regular starting position. Stepney was the only player with any Wembley experience at the club level when United reached the 1976 FA Cup Final. Against lower league Southampton they were favourites to win however they lost 1-0 in a shock upset. Stepney had no chance with the goal from Bobby Stokes, a late, low, crossfield shot. To this day United fans and players alike believe Stokes was offside and the goal should not have stood.

United reached the Cup Final again in 1977 and this time against Liverpool were successful. United led 1-0 through a Stuart Pearson goal but were pegged back by a superb equaliser from Liverpool’s Jimmy Case. Jimmy Greenhoff quickly restored United’s lead. Stepney made some good saves in the closing stages as Liverpool, chased an unprecedented ‘treble’ of trophies.

The End of an Era

The following year, Stepney was again not an automatic choice, playing fewer than half of United’s games in the League. He played the last of his 546 games for Manchester United in April 1978.

He kept 175 clean sheets, made an at-the-time club record 92 consecutive appearances and with 2 goals remains United’s top-scoring goalkeeper.

So coming in tenth in our Top 10 British Keepers of the 70’s – No.10. Alex Stepney. Who will be in ninth place?