The Clean Sheet King Of The Kop

Football mourned the passing of a legend recently with the sad death of Ray Clemence. Regarded by many as Liverpool’s greatest-ever goalkeeper Clemence won almost everything during his 13 years at the club. During his time at Anfield, he won five First Division titles, three European Cups, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup and the League Cup in a trophy-laden career. He also kept 323 clean sheets and is rightly celebrated as the clean-sheet king of football. To Liverpool fans though he was the clean sheet King of the Kop.

He was signed by the legendary Bill Shankly in 1967 for a fee of just £18,000 from Scunthorpe United. It would be a little over a year later that he would make his first team debut. Beating Swansea 2-0 and earning his first clean sheet. However, it wasn’t until 1970 that he finally cemented the No.1 position in the first team.

Ever Present Ray

Clemence would go on to miss just 6 games in the next 11 seasons for Liverpool. Between September 9, 1972, and March 4, 1978, the stopper played 336 games without missing a single match.

His clean sheets would be pivotal as Liverpool not only dominated at home but on the European stage too. In 1977 they won their first European Cup beating Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1 with Clemence superbly marshalling the proceedings from the back.

The following season they won the European Cup again. This time beating Bruges at Wembley with an iconic goal from Kenny Dalglish. However, Liverpool and Clemence were only just beginning to press home their domestic dominance. The next season Clemence and his defence reached unprecedented heights domestically with a club record that is never likely to be beaten.

The Clean Sheet King of The Kop

Bob Paisley’s men conceded 16 goals in 42 league matches as they sealed a third championship triumph in four seasons with Clemence an ever-present between the sticks. Of the 16 goals conceded just 4 were at Anfield. A remarkable achievement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wfpw2PBe4s

Clemence announced his decision to depart Liverpool in 1981. In true Roy of the Rovers style, he would leave at the very top. Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 to win the European Cup Final. It would turn out to be Clemence’s last game for Liverpool. And his last of the 323 clean sheets he accumulated with the club.

From Merseyside To London

After joining Spurs the following season he would amass a further 240 games for the north London club over eight years. During this time he won the FA Cup in 1982 and was a major part of their 1984 UEFA Cup success. Sadly though he missed out on the final against Anderlecht.

With England, Clemence won 61 caps, making his debut and keeping a clean sheet in the 1–0 World Cup qualifier win over Wales at Ninian Park in 1972. he would have without doubt won many more caps for his country had it not been for Peter Shilton. Unsure as to who was England’s No.1 manager Ron Greenwood alternated between Shilton and Clemence. Shilton would ultimately win the battle and go on to win a record 125 caps for England.

Royal Recognition

Clemence was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport in 1987. A more than merited recognition for everything he had given to the game. He later joined the Football Association and England national team set-up as a coach before retiring in 2013.

But it will be his time at Liverpool for which he will best be remembered. Only three men have ever played more games for the club while few have lifted more trophies.

However, it is highly unlikely that anyone will ever beat his record of clean sheets for the club.

Ray Clemence is cemented in Merseyside folklore as the clean-sheet King of The Kop.