stepney_alex
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| Name: Alexander "Alex" Cyril Stepney |
Nationality: England |
| Position: goalkeeper |
Signing Information: Transferred from: Chelsea, 08/1966, £55,000 |
| Birthdate: 18-09-1942 |
Years at Club: 1966-1978 |
| Age: (82) |
Debut: 17/09/1966 v Manchester City (H) 1-0 (League Division One) |
| Birthplace: Mitcham, Surrey, England |
Previous clubs: Millwall, Chelsea |
| Height: 6' 0" (1.83m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Transferred to Dallas Tornados, 02/1979, £ |
| Weight: 11st 9lbs (73.94kg) |
Passed Away: |
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Alex Stepney is a former English professional footballer best known for his time as a goalkeeper for Manchester United. Stepney played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s victory in the 1968 European Cup, making a critical save in the final against Benfica. He is also remembered for his longevity and reliability, making over 400 appearances for the club and becoming one of United’s greatest-ever goalkeepers. His commanding presence, quick reflexes, and leadership made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford.
Early Career and Move to Manchester United
Stepney began his professional career with Millwall before briefly joining Chelsea in 1966. His time at Chelsea was short-lived, but his talent was clear. In 1966, Matt Busby brought Stepney to Manchester United for a then-record fee for a goalkeeper, around £55,000. This move would change the course of Stepney’s career, as he became a key figure in United’s success during the late 1960s and 1970s.
Career at Manchester United (1966–1978)
Stepney quickly established himself as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper and played a vital role in the club’s domestic and European campaigns. His quick reflexes and ability to command the penalty area helped solidify United’s defense.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
1968 European Cup Victory: Stepney’s defining moment came in the 1968 European Cup final. United faced Benfica at Wembley, and Stepney’s crucial save against Eusébio in a one-on-one situation kept the score level, allowing United to win 4-1 after extra time. This victory made United the first English club to win the European Cup.
League Title (1966–67): Stepney was part of the team that won the First Division title in 1967, which secured their place in the following season’s European Cup competition.
FA Cup Final Appearances: Stepney played in multiple FA Cup finals with Manchester United, including a 1976 final loss to Southampton and a 1977 FA Cup victory over Liverpool, where United won 2-1.
Consistency and Longevity
Stepney made a total of 539 appearances for Manchester United, making him one of the longest-serving goalkeepers in the club’s history. His consistency, reliability, and leadership were crucial to United during a challenging period after the Busby Babes era. Stepney was known for his cool-headedness and ability to make important saves under pressure, earning him a reputation as one of the most dependable goalkeepers in English football.
Post-Manchester United and Retirement
After leaving Manchester United in 1978, Stepney had a brief stint with the Dallas Tornado in the North American Soccer League (NASL) before retiring from professional football. Following his playing career, Stepney stayed involved in football, working as a goalkeeping coach and maintaining ties with Manchester United through ambassadorial roles.
Playing Style: Commanding and Reliable
Stepney was known for his ability to command his penalty area, his calmness under pressure, and his shot-stopping ability, particularly in one-on-one situations. His experience and leadership were key elements of his game, and he was often praised for his strong positional sense and decision-making. Stepney’s save against Eusébio in the 1968 European Cup final remains one of the most iconic moments in Manchester United’s history.
Legacy
Alex Stepney is widely regarded as one of Manchester United’s greatest goalkeepers. His role in the club’s 1968 European Cup triumph is etched in United’s history, and his consistent performances over 12 years at the club earned him a special place in the hearts of fans. Stepney’s influence extended beyond his on-field exploits, as he became a symbol of resilience and professionalism during a transitional period for the club.
Summary
Alex Stepney was a legendary goalkeeper for Manchester United, making over 500 appearances for the club and playing a key role in United’s 1968 European Cup victory. Known for his crucial saves, especially in high-pressure moments, Stepney was a consistent and reliable presence in United’s defense throughout his 12-year career at Old Trafford. His save against Eusébio in the European Cup final remains one of the most iconic moments in the club’s history. Scored twice as a goalkeeper for United |
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| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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| No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
1966-1967 |
0 |
35 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
37 |
| 2 |
1967-1968 |
0 |
41 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
53 |
| 3 |
1968-1969 |
0 |
38 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
51 |
| 4 |
1969-1970 |
0 |
37 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
54 |
| 5 |
1970-1971 |
0 |
22 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
| 6 |
1971-1972 |
0 |
39 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
52 |
| 7 |
1972-1973 |
0 |
38 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
43 |
| 8 |
1973-1974 |
2 |
42 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
45 |
| 9 |
1974-1975 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
49 |
| 10 |
1975-1976 |
0 |
38 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
47 |
| 11 |
1976-1977 |
0 |
40 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
57 |
| 12 |
1977-1978 |
0 |
23 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
29 |
| TOTALS |
2 |
433 |
0 |
35 |
0 |
44 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
539 |
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