One very memorable event occurred on this day 24th June 1967. So much of today’s talk is about which goalkeeper should employ as the number one. No such problem for 11 years after this significant signing on this day 24th June 1967. One of Liverpool’s best signings ever? Most definitely.
On This Day 24th June 1967
Firstly, the signing. And what a signing it was. It’s incredible to think we signed Ray Clemence from Scunthorpe for £18,000 51 years ago!! Yes, 51 years ago. Incredible.
Arguably, Clemence has been Liverpool’s best goalkeeper ever. Some Spurs fans may even argue that he has been their best goalkeeper ever as well. Although I’m sure a certain Pat Jennings would have something to say about that.
Back in 1967 Bill Shankly was looking to bolster his defence. As was quite common in those days, Shanks delved into the lower league market and unearthed yet another gem. It’s fair to say, Clemence was unheard of then. Not only to Liverpool fans but probably to all but Scunthorpe fans.
After deposing Tommy Lawrence as Liverpool’s number 1, Clemence went on to miss a mere 6 games in 11 years service with the club. Talk about consistency. You had to feel sorry for any other keeper signed during those 11 years. No rotation in those days. Always a case of playing your best XI as far as possible.
And Clemence wasn’t only Liverpool’s goalkeeper he may also have been recognised as England’s best goalkeeper. It was unfortunate for Clemence, but great for England though, that a certain Peter Shilton was also plying his trade in those days. As it happened, most England managers preferred Shilts, although Clemence did get a fair international caps to go with his 665 appearances for Liverpool.
A Real Quality Goalkeeper
Clemence was an unflappable and reassuring presence between the sticks right from the off. As cool as ice. He oozed confidence and this calmness and confidence spread throughout the team.
Within two years he was pulling on an England jersey, though as mentioned above, his international career would be spent embroiled in a long-running battle with Peter Shilton.
It must also be remembered that life as Liverpool’s last line of defence was a lonely existence. Inevitably Liverpool dominated possession in most games. While his teammates were bombarding their opponents goal, Clemence was often required to make just one or two saves per game. Fortunately, as well as having lightning-quick reactions, one of his other most valuable assets was his concentration.
With Clem in goal, errors were rarer than hen’s teeth…..or a Reds defeat. Clean sheets were not only regular but to some fans, expected. As a consequence defensive records tumbled.
Clem’s Achievements
Having been a key figure in Bob Paisley’s all conquering side (Europe included), Clemence was in no small way responsible for taking the side’s domestic domination to unprecedented heights in 1978-79. He conceded a mere 16 goals during a 42-match league programme. And three of those goals came in the one game – a 3-1 away defeat to Aston Villa in April 1979.
All good things come to an end though. On the eve of the 1981-82 season Clemence announced he was leaving for Tottenham.
His last act in a Liverpool shirt was to shut-out the Real Madrid attack in Paris as a third European Cup triumph was secured – a fitting end to an Anfield career of such distinction.
During his 11 years he amassed every trophy going, apart from the European Cup Winners Cup. Five league titles, three European Cups, two UEFA Cups, one League Cup and one FA Cup.
In all his years Clemence displayed a level of consistency that no Reds’ keeper has since been able to match. On this day 24th June 1967 was certainly a landmark day for Liverpool when we signed Ray Clemence.
You can see Clemence in action here…..
