Raymond Neal Clemence MBE (5 August 1948 – 15 November 2020) was an English professional footballer best known for a long, consistently high-level career as a goalkeeper. Born in Skegness, Lincolnshire, he rose from local youth football to become a first-team regular at top English clubs and a regular international selection.

Early life and rise

Clemence developed through local youth ranks before breaking into senior football as a dependable presence between the posts. His early years established the temperament and technical fundamentals—handling, positioning and composure—that carried him through a long career at the highest level.

Club career

He spent the prime of his playing career with leading English clubs, where he contributed to multiple domestic titles and European successes. Known for consistency rather than theatrics, Clemence rarely made headline-grabbing saves but was valued for preventing mistakes and organising his defence. Later moves kept him at a competitive level while allowing him to share experience with younger players.

International career

Clemence represented England across a number of years and earned well over sixty senior caps. He competed with other prominent goalkeepers of his era for the national number one shirt and was regularly selected for major qualifying campaigns and international fixtures.

Playing style and reputation

Observers and team-mates praised Clemence for calm decision-making, safe handling and effective communication. His approach emphasised anticipation, positional sense and reliability. These qualities made him a model professional and an example for subsequent generations of goalkeepers.

Later roles and legacy

After retiring from playing he remained involved in football in coaching and ambassadorial roles, passing on knowledge of technique and match preparation. He was awarded the MBE in recognition of his services to the sport. Clemence is widely remembered as one of England's most accomplished and dependable goalkeepers, whose career combined longevity with team success.

Notable facts

  • Recipient of the MBE for services to football.
  • One of a small group of players with more than 1,000 senior appearances over club and international matches.
  • Renowned for professionalism, consistency and leadership from the goalmouth.

Clemence's career remains a reference point in discussions about goalkeeping excellence in English football history, and his influence endures through players and coaches who cited his steadiness and technique as instructive examples.