Monday, June 8 – 1981
Ray Clemence wants to leave European champions Liverpool. This bombshell news for Anfield came when the 32-year-old goalkeeper met Bob Paisley yesterday after returning from the World Cup victory in Hungary.
“Ray has been to see me and says that he thinks it’s best for him to love,” Paisley revealed.
“He is on contract but has given me some reasons why he feels he should move on.
“I don’t want to say any more than that. I now want to discuss it with our chairman.
Clemence, with two years of his contract to run at Liverpool confirmed.
“I have spoken to the boss, put my case, and left it to him to speak to the chairman and the board.
“We had a very sensible and interesting discussion. There was nothing heated and he knows y feelings.
“I’d like to stress that this has nothing to do with contracts or money.
“The last thing in the world I want is to cause Liverpool any trouble. Whatever happens I want it done right.”
Liverpool spent £250,000 in March this year to sign 23-year-old Zimbabwe International Bruce Grobbelaar from Vancouver Whitecaps as understudy to the remarkable Clemence.
In 709 senior game for Liverpool and Scunthorpe he has kept 332 clean sheets and amassed a host of winners’ medals – five League Championships, three European Cup, two UEFA Cup, one FA Cup, and one League Cup.
But I understand the 56 times capped by England ‘keeper wants to stay in this country to fire his hopes of playing in next summer’s World Cup finals in Spain. If Liverpool decided to let him go then I expect Tottenham, newly promoted Swansea and a host of other clubs to inundate Anfield with offers – with the bidding opening at around £250,000.
(Daily Express, 09-06-1981)
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