Top 10 British Keepers of the 1980s

The 1980s was a decade of great goalkeepers in the UK, with many players making significant contributions to the sport. Both at the club and international level. These goalkeepers were known for their quick reflexes, agility and shot-stopping ability. In turn, making them some of the most respected players in the league. This article showcases who we believe to be the Top 10 British Keepers of the 1980s.

They helped lead their teams to many trophies and also represented their country in international competitions with great success. Some of the goalkeepers on this list were known for their consistency and for playing for over a decade at the top level. Others, however, were known for their outstanding performances in big matches.

All of these goalkeepers left a lasting legacy on the sport. And some, are remembered as the best to have ever played the between the posts.

Below is a list of the top 10 British goalkeepers of the 1980s, in no particular order.

Use the comment field at the end of the article to tell us your Top 10!

Top 10 British Keepers of the 1980s

1. Neville Southall: Southall was a key player for Everton during the 1980s and a regular for the Wales national team. At Everton, he won two league titles and an FA Cup. As well as two Charity Shield victories and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1984-85. Southall was named the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1985. For many Southall was the best keeper in the world during large parts of the 1980s.

 

2. Peter Shilton: Statistically, Shilton is the greatest England goalkeeper of all time with 125 caps. He also has the record for the most clean sheets by far. Shilton appeared at three World Cup tournaments – 1982,1986 and 1990. He joined Brian Clough and Nottingham Forest in 1977. These were some of Forest’s most successful years when they won the League Cup in 1977/78 and 78/79 seasons. They were also First Division winners in the 1977-78 season. They also won the European Cup in 1978/79 and 1979/80 as well as the European Super Cup in 1979.

 

3. Ray Clemence: Between 1972 and 1984 Clemence and Shilton alternated as first-choice keepers and made 61 appearances in total. However, he was never a first-choice keeper during a World Cup, although was part of the 1982 World Cup squad. During his time with Liverpool, the club won five First Division titles, 1 x FA Cup in the 1973/74 season, the League Cup in 1980/81, 3x European Cups in 1976-77, 1977-78 and 1980-81, as well as the UEFA Cup in 1972-73, 1975-76 and the UEFA Super Cup in 1977. During his time with Spurs, he won the FA Cup in the 1981/82 season, the FA Charity Shield in 1981 and the Uefa Cup in 1983/84.

 

4. Joe Corrigan: Corrigan was a solid backup goalkeeper for the England national team during the 1980s. He also had a successful club career with Manchester City. Whilst at City he won 2 League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Corrigan also appears in our Top 10 Keepers of the 1970s list. Click here to view this article.

 

5. Jim Leighton: Leighton was the first-choice goalkeeper for Scotland during the 1980s, earning a record 91 caps for his country. He also had a successful club career with Aberdeen where he won two league titles and five domestic cups. He also won the European Cup Winners Cup and the European Super Cup whilst at Aberdeen. After transferring to Manchester United he went on to win the FA Cup in 1990.

 

6. Jimmy Rimmer: Rimmer made 229 appearances with Villa between 1977 and 1983, winning a First Division winners medal in 1981. During the 1982 European Cup Final he was injured just nine minutes into the game and replaced by Nigel Spink. Villa still managed to beat Bayern Munich 1-0 to lift the trophy. In 1983 he joined Swansea City where he made 66 appearances. Rimmer also appears in our Top 10 British Keepers of the 1970s such as his longevity between the sticks.

 

7. Chris Woods: It was with Norwich City (between 1981 and 1987) that he became a truly top-class keeper, and he played for the team when they won the League Cup in 1985. Woods made 173 appearances with Rangers between 1987 and 1991, and during this time the club were Scottish Football Champions in 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991. They won the League Cup in 1987, 88, 89 and 1991.

 

8. Paul Cooper: Cooper was a key player for Ipswich Town during the 1980s. During his time at Portman Road, Cooper won the UEFA Cup. However, it was the ability to save penalties that Cooper was renowned for. Famously saving an incredible eight out of ten penalties during the 1979/80 English top-flight season.

 

9. Dave Beasant: To be honest Beasant wasn’t the greatest of keepers when it came to agility. He was however a vital component in the rise of Wimbledon FC during the 1980s. His notoriety peaked with THAT penalty save from John Aldridge in the 198 FA Cup Final. A Final that saw Wimbledon beat the mighty Liverpool 1-0 at Wembley. He did also win 2 caps for England in the 1980s with appearances against Italy and Yugoslavia.

 

10. John Burridge: No list of top keepers in the 1980s can be complete without the legendary John Burridge. Burridge played for 29 clubs in an illustrious career. Including seven in the 1980s. His only honour in the 1980s was a Division Two runner-up medal with Wolves in 1982.

Check out more top 10 lists here

From Shilton to Burridge

In conclusion, the 1980s saw some of the greatest British goalkeepers of all time take the field for clubs and country.

From Peter Shilton to John Burridge, these top 10 keepers helped pave the way for future generations of British goalkeepers. Each one of these players brought their own unique style and abilities to the game. As a result, they all played an important role in the success of their teams during the decade.

Whether it was Shilton’s commanding presence in the box, Clemence’s agility and reflexes, or Woods’ ability to pull off seemingly impossible saves, these goalkeepers all left a lasting impression on the sport. It’s hard to pick the one who stands above the rest.

They were all top-class keepers, who made important saves and each in their own way were outstanding. They were role models for many young goalkeepers who looked up to them, and it’s clear that their legacy continues to inspire future generations of players.

Our list of the Top 10 British Keepers of the 1980s may not include some of your choices. If it doesn’t let us know in the comments below.