Today, ex-England goalkeeper Ray Clemence announced that he will be retiring from his post on the FA coaching team - ending a 47 year career in football.
Clemence made his name at Liverpool before joining Tottenham and was capped 61 times for England. His rivalry with Peter Shilton for the national jersey meant that England had two of the best keepers in the world during the 1960s and 1970s.
The fact that Clemence is back in the news got us thinking - who are the best goalkeepers ever? Below are a few names...
Peter Shilton
Quite possibly the greatest goalkeeper England ever had - it says something about his ability that he was chosen over the aforementioned Clemence. In a career that spans 30 years, Shilton became one of the most declarated keepers ever at club level. Internationally, he is England's most capped player.
Peter Schmeichel
Another Peter S that was not too shabby between the sticks. The great Dane was instrumental to Manchester United's dominance throughout the 90s - the pinnacle of which was also his last game for the club, the 1999 Champions League final. It took Ferguson seasons to find a replacement for Schmeichel because, in truth, he was quite irreplaceable.
Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon is not only regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, but one of the best Italian footballers ever - which speaks volumes as Italy is a nation rich with legends of the game. His transfer from Parma to Juventus in 2001 for 51m euros is still a record fee for a goalkeeper. Buffon is also captain for both club and country.
Iker Casillas
As captain for Real Madrid and Spain, Casillas has become one of the most declarated captains and keepers of all time. Breaking into the first team for both club and country at just 19, Casillas was formidable for decades. His form has come under some scrutiny recently, however his legacy still remains intact.
Special mention for Gordon Banks, Dino Zoff, Oliver Kahn, Bert Trautmann and Lev Yashin.
