Profiles of the Legends: Ray Clemence

Profiles of the Legends: Ray Clemence
by Steve Amoia for Keeper Skool

Raymond Neal Clemence, MBE, was born in Skegness, England in 1948. He made his professional debut for Scunthorpe United at the age of 17. He was part of the tremendously successful Liverpool side of the 1970s that won five domestic titles, three European Cups, and two UEFA Cups. In some ways, Mr. Clemence was a victim of bad timing at the national team level. During his tenure as the England keeper, the Three Lions failed to qualify for two World Cups in 1974 and 1978. He was also sandwiched between fellow legends Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton, respectively.

Before the appointment of Fabio Capello as the new manager, Mr. Clemence was the goalkeeper’s coach for England from 1996 to 2007. He is presently the Head of National Teams for the Football Association, and also assists Mr. Capello in a special capacity. His son, Stephen, plays professionally for Leister City of the Football League Championship.

Professional Clubs

• Scunthorpe United
• Liverpool Football Club
• Tottenham Hotspur

Career Honors

• 61 international caps for England, along with one appearance as the captain.
• European Cup Champion with Liverpool FC in 1977, 1978, and 1981.
• UEFA Cup Champion with Liverpool FC in 1973 and 1976.
• UEFA Cup Champion with Tottenham Hotspur in 1984 (although he did not play in the final).
• Competed at Euro 1980 in Italy.
• Competed at World Cup 1982 in Spain.
• 665 total appearances for Liverpool FC.
• 335 clean sheets for Liverpool FC.
• Five English League championships with Liverpool FC.
• Two FA Cups (one each with Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur).
• One League Cup with Liverpool.
• Member of the British Empire.

Statistics courtesy of Goalkeeping Greats.

Brief Interview from 1987

Liverpool 3 x St. Etienne 2: European Cup Quarterfinal from Anfield, 1977

Ray Clemence provides his analysis before and after an epic game in the history of Liverpool. Please note the passionate atmosphere at this game which is part of the rich tradition of the Liverpool Football Club. His comments begin at 4:00 on this video. St. Etienne (Saint Steven) was a famous French team from that era. It produced French legend, Michel Platini, who is the current President of UEFA.

On Criticism

“Criticism is just part of growing up as a goalkeeper. We all have to accept if you are going to be a goalkeeper you need to be very thick skinned because you will get more criticism than anyone else. You have to be able to take that criticism. There was a famous quote ‘it is not being knocked down that matters, it is how you get up’ and that is what you have to learn as a keeper.You have to keep picking yourself up, keep dusting yourself down. It is just having the confidence to show those abilities and the mental strength.”

Source: Sporting Life: Clemence Backs Carson, 17 April 2008.

During a Recent Trip to Lesotho with Fabio Capello

As the FA’s Head of National Teams, Mr. Clemence accompanied Mr. Capello during an April 2008 visit to the small southern African country of Lesotho. The FA has been promoting grass-roots programs for many years in this part of the world.

“This programme is very important. There are two aspects to it. One is to encourage African footballers. There are quite a number in the game at the moment. There is a lot of talent out here but the coaching they get is limited. It gives us a chance to give something back to the game. We have been involved in projects like this for 10 years in Lesotho, Malawi and Botswana. We are trying to provide as many level one coaches as we can so they can go out in the communities and coach the youngsters and make them better players. We want them to become self sufficient.”

Source: Sporting Life: Clemence Backs Carson, 17 April 2008.

Steve Amoia is the author and editor of World Football Commentaries. He writes for Soccerlens and Keeper Skool.