“It’s the one regret I have,” says Stephen Clemence, manager of Gillingham
Stephen Clemence, the current manager of Gillingham and son of legendary Liverpool, Tottenham, and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence, recently expressed his one regret. He revealed that despite his father’s desire to see him become a manager after watching him play in the Premier League, he always postponed taking on a managerial role until “the time was right.” However, on 1 November last year, Gillingham announced Stephen as their head coach. This marked the 45-year-old former Tottenham and Birmingham midfielder’s first venture into management.
Unfortunately for Stephen, his father had passed away three years prior at the age of 72 due to prostate cancer. During Ray’s last few weeks alive, he urged Stephen once again to pursue a career in management. According to Stephen: “He’d say ‘make sure you do [become a manager], you’re more than capable’.”
Gillingham’s Big Challenge against Sheffield United
This Saturday presents an opportunity for Gillingham to cause one of the biggest upsets in recent FA Cup history. The League Two club will host Sheffield United – currently bottom of the Premier League – in the third round (kick-off at 15:00 GMT).
Reflecting on this upcoming match and other moments within both his personal life and tenure at Gillingham when he would have appreciated his dad’s advice; Stephen remarks how supportive Ray was throughout his career as well as being great at giving guidance. If Ray were still here today, he would likely encourage his son by reminding him that all pressure rests upon Sheffield United and urging him to give it everything.
The Legacy Left Behind by Ray Clemence
Ray Clemence’s impact on the sport cannot be overstated. As a key component of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley’s great Liverpool sides during the 1970s and early ’80s, Clemence played an integral role in their domestic and international success. He won five league titles and three European Cups with Liverpool before leaving to further his achievements at Tottenham.
His contributions to Liverpool have been immortalized on the side of a house near Anfield. A mural depicts him jubilantly lifting his arms in celebration, accompanied by a quote from Reds’ legendary manager Shankly: “Ray had everything. He’s quick, he doesn’t wanna be beaten. He’s just a great goalkeeper.”
The Childhood Memories
Stephen fondly recalls his childhood experiences watching his father play football. One particular memory stands out – being present on the pitch before the 1987 FA Cup final between Tottenham and Coventry at Wembley.
As Stephen recounts: “Dad was desperate to win…He wanted to win it for us [his children] so he could give each of my two sisters – Sarah and Julie – as well as myself, winners’ medals that we would cherish forever.” Unfortunately, despite Ray’s illustrious career which included two previous FA Cup triumphs (one with Liverpool in 1974 and one with Tottenham in 1982), victory eluded him this time as Coventry emerged victorious with a memorable 3-2 scoreline.
Battling Prostate Cancer
Ray Clemence was not only known for his incredible goalkeeping skills but also for his resilience off the field while battling prostate cancer. Throughout its course, he spent fifteen years raising awareness about this disease that eventually took his life.
Stephen vividly remembers how Ray underwent surgery during one Christmas period when doctors had to remove a tumor from his brain after the cancer had spread. Despite undergoing chemotherapy tablets in the last few years of his life, Ray maintained an incredibly positive outlook and focused on being there for his ten beloved grandchildren.
A Family’s Last Month Together
In November 2020, surrounded by family at home, Ray Clemence passed away. During his final month, a hospital bed was brought into their family home where he spent this time with loved ones. Stephen expresses gratitude towards Steve Bruce, who facilitated Stephen’s ability to take some time off from coaching at Newcastle United to support both his father and mother during this difficult period.
The legacy left behind by Ray Clemence extends far beyond football accomplishments. He will forever be remembered as not only a legendary goalkeeper but also as a loving father and leader of their family.