Rimmer, Villa’s European Cup winner, dies aged 78
ANL/SHUTTERSTOCK Goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer makes a flying save Aston Villa’s 1981 First Division titlewinning goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer has died at the age of 78. 15 Aug 2026 - THE GUARDIAN / Sport Robert O’Connor PA Media Rimmer, who was ever-present as Villa were crowned champions of England, is best remembered for being forced off with a neck injury after only nine minutes as the team won the European Cup the following year, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the final in Rotterdam. It was the second time he had watched his teammates triumph without him in the final having previously been on the bench 14 years earlier when Manchester United beat Benfica at Wembley. In a statement, Villa said: “Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of European Cup winner Jimmy Rimmer, who has died at the age of 78. “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Rimmer was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation, and arguably...