'I will never forget how he helped me to settle in at Anfield': Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish leads the tributes to former Reds and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence after his death at 72

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Sir Kenny Dalglish led the tributes as football united in mourning for Ray Clemence, one of the game’s greatest ever goalkeepers.

A giant for Liverpool, Tottenham and England, Clemence died yesterday following a prolonged battle with illness. He was 72, and surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his wife, Vee, son Stephen, daughters Sarah and Julie and a troop of grandchildren.

Clemence arrived at Anfield from Scunthorpe in 1967. In his first three years, he barely got a chance to play and he and Vee wondered whether they would have to leave Merseyside in order for him to get an opportunity to play regularly.

Former Liverpool and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence has died at the age of 72

Once Clemence managed to oust Tommy Lawrence, he went on to win three European Cups, five league titles, two UEFA Cups and an FA Cup. He was adored by supporters, and his status as the best to pull on a pair of gloves for the club is unchallenged. He is one of Liverpool’s most significant figures.

‘We have lost a true legend,’ said Dalglish, whom Clemence took under his wing when he arrived from Celtic in 1977. ‘Clem was a fantastic team-mate and great to be around. I will never forget how he helped me to settle in at Anfield. Our thoughts are with the Clemence family.’

A raft of Clemence’s former team-mates followed Dalglish’s lead, including Ian Rush (‘It was an honour to play with you,’ said the club’s record scorer), Phil Thompson and Alan Kennedy, with whom he set many records for defensive excellence.

‘My eyes and ears as a team-mate,’ said Thompson. ‘And oh, what a keeper.’

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp paid his respects, saying: ‘This is an extremely sad moment and we, as the current team and management, send all our love to the family. He was one of the foundation stones that so much of this club’s success was built on.

‘We should never forget it is great players who make great teams and clubs. You only need to listen to the legends of LFC from his era to understand his significance.

‘They say it better than I ever could, that Ray Clemence is one of the reasons our club is such a special one all these years later.’

Clemence’s passing was also keenly felt at Tottenham, where he won the UEFA Cup in 1984 and the FA Cup in 1982. He played in a side with free spirits such as Ossie Ardiles, who said: ‘Dearest Raymondo, what a legend, a gentleman. How lucky we were to call you a friend. RIP and love to all his family. God is in safe hands.’

Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, explained what Clemence meant to England. He won 61 caps and later worked as a goalkeeping coach before illness forced his retirement in 2013.

‘He’s been a wonderful servant,’ said Southgate. ‘Not just for two massive clubs but for England as well. An incredible goalkeeper, and he represented England for a long time and (did a lot of work) behind the scenes at the FA.

‘Ray was a very special man. My thoughts are with his family, Vee and the children. I’ve known him over the years and know he had a difficult battle with illness. My thoughts go to his family.’    

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp led the tributes to Clemence, saying 'great players make great clubs'

Clemence won five league titles during his time with Liverpool as well as three European Cups  

Another Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, praised Clemence, tweeting: 'RIP Ray Clemence. An @LFC giant who was also a giant of a man. #YNWA.' 

Clemence was part of the England coaching setup and worked closely with many goalkeepers, including David James, who wrote: 'I'm deeply saddened to hear the passing of Ray Clemence. Clem was my coach with @england for more than a decade. A lovely man with a wicked left foot, I had a poster of him on my bedroom wall as a kid.

'Raymond Neal Clemence: August 5th 1948 - November 15th 2020. #YNWA.' 

Former England international Peter Reid wrote: 'An absolute legend. RIP Clem.'

And ex-Liverpool player Stan Collymore said: 'There are many better photos of Ray Clemence, of triumphs and successes.

'But there aren't any better than this grainy screen grab of him running towards the Kop as Spurs keeper.

'A spontaneous two way expression of respect and appreciation.

'Rest in peace, Clem.'

A host of stars paid tribute to Clemence, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005

Former Liverpool star Phil Thompson (centre) described Clemence (right) as his 'eyes and ears as a team-mate'

Neil Ruddock, Michael Owen, Pepe Reina and Terry Gibson also paid tribute to Clemence 

Meanwhile, former England and Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp also pitched in, calling him 'a very gentle human being'.   

'A true legend of the game, such a nice man and a very gentle human being,' the Sky Sports pundit said. 'An incredible goalkeeper as well. He was such a brave man, he suffered for a long time. 

'My thoughts go with his family, I know Steve had a long career. And thoughts go to his family from all of football. He did it with so much class.'

His fellow pundit Ashley Cole added: 'He was always a pleasure to be around, always smiling, so it's sad news. But again, when you look at the honours he's won, he was a personality. I remember him going in goal for penalties (during England training) and he could still do bits.' 

Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall described Clemence as: ''A truly top goalkeeper and a lovely gentleman.'

Neil Ruddock, who played with Clemence at Tottenham, wrote: 'Just heard the sad news that the best Goalkeeper I played with and my friend Ray Clemence has passed away, he was such a big influence on my career, I love and thank you RIP Clem.'

And Liverpool icon Michael Owen wrote: 'Sad to hear that today we lost a true goalkeeping great: Played over a 1000 games including 61 caps for England. Won 5 League titles, 3 European Cups, 3 UEFA Cups and 2 FA Cups. RIP Ray Clemence.' 

'We will miss you. Rest in peace my friend. My family and my thoughts and prayers go out to Vee, her family and friends.'

A tribute to Clemence was also made from another former Liverpool goalkeeper in Pepe Reina. The Spaniard, who now plays for Aston Villa, called him ' a great goalkeeper, a great coach and a great man'. 

'Today is the saddest of days for all of us who respected and admired him but his legend will live for ever. Ray Clemence RIP'. 

Commentator Clive Tyldesley also offered his respects to Clemence. He said: 'Ray Clemence was a great footballer and an even greater man. He has been fighting illness for years and years and years but you wouldn't have known it, he wouldn't let you see it.

'He would never let you see how much pain he was in, how many setbacks he faced. His smile wouldn't let you see that. He was just the most fabulous company. I spoke to him at length yesterday.'