Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Alex Stepney

Alexander Cyril Stepney (born 18 September 1942) is an English former professional who played primarily as a for Manchester United, where he made 539 appearances between 1966 and 1978 and became a key figure in the club's historic first European Cup triumph in 1968. Born in , , Stepney began his journey in amateur ranks with Tooting & Mitcham United before turning professional as a trainee at in 1960. He moved to in June 1966 for a fee of £52,000 but featured in only three matches there before transferring to United on 1 September 1966 for a then-world-record £55,000 fee for a . At , he quickly established himself as the first-choice under manager , debuting in a 1-0 league win over on 17 September 1966 and going on to keep 175 clean sheets during his tenure. Stepney's most iconic moment came in the 1968 European Cup final against Benfica at , where his crucial save from a powerful shot by in the 85th minute helped preserve a 1-1 draw, leading to a 4-1 extra-time victory that made Manchester the first English club to win the competition. His contributions extended to domestic success, including the First Division title—won just months after his arrival—and the 1976–77 FA Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over at . He also featured in the loss to (0-1) and shared the 1967 and 1977 FA Charity Shields. Notably, as a , Stepney scored twice from penalties during his career, both in the 1973–74 season. On the international stage, Stepney earned a single cap for , starting in a 3-1 friendly win over on 22 May 1968 at . After leaving Manchester United as a in 1978, he briefly played for non-league in 1979–80 and spent time with the NASL's in 1980 before retiring in 1982. Post-retirement, Stepney served as a goalkeeping coach and remained involved with Manchester United as an ambassador and corporate host, reflecting his enduring legacy with the club.

Early life and career

Youth and non-league beginnings

Alexander Cyril Stepney was born on 18 September 1942 in , , , in the post-war suburbs of , where he grew up in a modest working-class family amid the economic challenges of the era. Leaving school at age 15, as was common for many young people at the time, Stepney initially pursued non-football employment to support himself while nurturing his passion for the sport. At 16, Stepney trialed with , but the experience was disheartening; after playing half a match, manager rejected him outright, declaring, "Sorry son, but you'll never make it in the game." Undeterred, he turned to local , joining his hometown club Tooting & Mitcham United as an amateur in 1961, where he balanced weekend matches with a as a paint sprayer at Phillips in . During the 1961-62 season, he made 14 first-team appearances in the , establishing a reputation as a promising with strong shot-stopping and command of the box. Stepney's development at Tooting & Mitcham was influenced by the vibrant local amateur scene and the club's storied history, particularly the 1958-59 team's memorable third-round run, when they held First Division Nottingham Forest to a 2-2 draw at home before losing the replay 3-0—a feat that captured national attention and highlighted the potential of non-league talent. Though still in the reserves during that campaign, Stepney had come through the Colts and youth setup around this period, gaining valuable experience in competitive matches, including the 1962-63 season's 47 appearances, where he helped secure the Surrey Senior Shield (2-1 win over ) and Surrey Invitation Cup (4-2 after extra time against City). These successes, along with standout performances like an 11-0 Amateur Cup victory over Welton Rovers, fueled his aspirations and drew professional interest, leading to a scouting opportunity with .

Millwall and Chelsea periods

Stepney signed as a professional with on 13 May 1963, shortly after impressing in with & Mitcham United. He quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making his Football League debut on 31 August 1963 in a 2–1 home victory over Colchester United in the Third Division. Over the next three seasons, Stepney made 137 consecutive league appearances for , keeping 51 clean sheets and contributing to the club's promotion from the Third Division at the end of the 1965–66 season. His consistent and commanding performances in the lower divisions drew attention from higher-profile clubs, while also earning him international recognition at youth level. During his time at , Stepney won three caps for the under-23 team, including appearances against in February 1964 (a 3–2 win at , Newcastle), Wales in October 1965 (a 3–0 win at , ), and France in November 1965 (a 3–0 win at , ). These outings showcased his shot-stopping ability and distribution skills, further boosting his reputation as a promising talent capable of handling pressure. In May 1966, Stepney transferred to for a fee of £50,000, a significant sum reflecting his rising stock under manager . However, his stint at Stamford Bridge proved brief and unfulfilling; he made just one competitive appearance, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 away win over on 3 September 1966, before being displaced by incumbent . Discontented with his limited opportunities and seeking regular first-team football, Stepney pushed for a move, leading to his sale just three months after arriving. Manchester United manager , who had been scouting to bolster his rebuilding squad following a poor start to the 1966–67 season, identified Stepney as the ideal candidate after observing his performances. In September 1966, United secured his services from for £55,000—a world-record fee for a at the time—marking the culmination of Stepney's rapid ascent through the English pyramid.

Manchester United career

Arrival and early triumphs

Alex Stepney made his Manchester United debut on 17 September 1966, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Manchester City at , with scoring the winner in the 40th minute. This performance came shortly after his £55,000 transfer from , a for a goalkeeper at the time, and he quickly displaced incumbent David Gaskell to become the first-choice keeper under manager Matt Busby. Stepney's immediate impact helped stabilize a defense that had conceded 11 goals in the opening eight league matches of the season. In the 1966–67 season, Stepney featured in 35 of Manchester United's 42 First Division fixtures, contributing to their title-winning campaign that ended a nine-year wait for league honors. He recorded 16 clean sheets in the league, tying for the most among top-flight goalkeepers that year, including notable shutouts in a 0–0 draw at Liverpool on 25 March 1967 and a 0–0 home stalemate against Leeds United on 31 December 1966. These performances underscored his reliability under pressure, as United clinched the title by four points over rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Stepney's integration into the squad fostered strong team chemistry, particularly with forwards Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, whose attacking prowess complemented his commanding presence in goal. He adapted swiftly to the intense expectations at Old Trafford, a club still rebuilding its identity in the wake of the 1958 Munich air disaster that had decimated the previous generation of players. By the end of 1967, Stepney had amassed approximately 60 appearances for United across all competitions, including key saves that preserved leads in tight matches and solidified his role as the backbone of Busby's revitalized side.

Peak achievements and challenges

Stepney played a pivotal role as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper throughout the 1967-68 European Cup campaign, appearing in all 9 matches as the team navigated tough ties against Hibernian, Sarajevo, Górnik Zabrze, and Real Madrid to reach the final. The campaign represented a collective drive for the aging squad under manager Matt Busby to achieve European glory exactly ten years after the Munich air disaster, which had claimed eight players and nearly ended Busby's career, with survivors like Bobby Charlton viewing the pursuit as a form of redemption. In the final against Benfica on 29 May 1968 at Wembley Stadium, Stepney made a famous save from Eusébio's powerful shot in the 85th minute with the score tied at 1-1, denying a potential winner and forcing extra time, where United triumphed 4-1 with goals from George Best, Brian Kidd, and a brace from Charlton. Following the previous season's league title, United faced domestic setbacks in 1968-69, enduring inconsistent league form and finishing 13th in the First Division with 50 points from 42 matches, a sharp decline. Despite these pressures, Stepney remained a constant presence, making 49 appearances across all competitions that season, including 38 in the league. Amid the challenges, Stepney reached personal milestones, including his 100th appearance for by early 1969 and scoring his first career goal from a penalty in the League Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City on 14 January 1970, converting a 75th-minute spot-kick in a 3-1 win that advanced 4-3 on aggregate. In the triumphant 1967-68 , his shot-stopping contributed to United's defensive solidity, with the team conceding 55 league goals en route to second place.

Final seasons at Old Trafford

The latter years of Alex Stepney's time at Manchester United were marked by significant ups and downs, beginning with the club's unexpected relegation from the First Division at the end of the 1973-74 season. Stepney featured in all 42 league matches that year, conceding 52 goals as United struggled offensively, scoring just 38 times and finishing 21st. Despite his efforts in goal, the team could not avoid the drop, a shocking outcome for the European champions of , exacerbated by managerial instability following Sir Matt Busby's retirement. Under manager , United responded swiftly in the Second Division during the 1974-75 campaign, securing promotion as champions with Stepney as the mainstay in . His reliability helped stabilize the during a season of rebuilding, allowing the club to return to the top flight at the first attempt and setting the stage for further recovery. Stepney's standout contribution came in the 1976-77 run, culminating in a 2-1 victory over in the replay at , denying the league champions a . In the semi-final against Leeds United at Hillsborough, Stepney made crucial interventions to secure a 2-1 win, while in the final, he got a hand to Jimmy Case's equalizer but could not prevent it, though United rallied for the trophy—Stepney's third major honor with the club. Earlier in his United tenure, Stepney had etched his name into club lore by scoring both of his career goals from penalties during the 1973-74 season, including one against Derby County that briefly made him joint-top scorer. By the time he departed in 1978, he had amassed 539 appearances (433 in ), a testament to his enduring presence. At age 35, Stepney left on a free transfer to the amid ongoing post-Busby turbulence, including Docherty's sacking after the 1977 triumph due to an affair with the club physiotherapist's wife. His loyalty shone through the 1970s financial strains, when the club operated under tight budgets without modern sponsorship or TV revenue, yet Stepney remained committed through relegation and recovery.

International career

Youth international involvement

Stepney earned three caps for the England under-23 team between 1965 and 1966 while playing his club football for Millwall, marking his emergence on the national youth stage. His debut came on 3 November 1965 at Carrow Road, Norwich, where he kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory over France, with goals from Alan Ball and Mick Jones (two). This was followed by a 2-1 home win against Yugoslavia on 24 November 1965 at The Dell, Southampton, where Stepney conceded once but helped secure the result through goals by Jones and Martin Chivers. His final under-23 appearance was a 2-0 triumph over Turkey on 20 April 1966 at Ewood Park, Blackburn, again featuring a clean sheet and strikes from George Armstrong (two). These selections occurred under manager , who oversaw the under-23 side during this period and used the team to nurture promising talents. Stepney's performances, including two shutouts in three outings, highlighted his shot-stopping reliability and command in goal, contributing to England's unbeaten record across these fixtures and elevating his profile among national scouts. In the pre-U21 era, the under-23 level functioned as a vital intermediary between youth and senior international football, often featuring emerging stars who would later define the game. Stepney competed for the goalkeeper position alongside contemporaries like of , who had earned multiple under-23 caps earlier in the decade. Limited to these three appearances, Stepney's international exposure directly paralleled his strong form at in the Third Division, where he established himself as a first-choice keeper, paving the way for his £50,000 transfer to in May 1966 and eventual senior recognition in 1968.

Senior England appearances

Stepney earned his sole senior cap for on 22 May 1968, in a 3–1 friendly victory over at , where he replaced the established number one, , and maintained a clean sheet until Sweden's late consolation goal in the 89th minute. This debut came just a week before Stepney's pivotal role in Manchester United's European Cup triumph, marking a brief elevation from his prior under-23 international experience to the senior team under manager . Despite his strong club form, Stepney's international opportunities remained limited, culminating in his selection as a backup goalkeeper for England's 1970 FIFA World Cup squad in , where he traveled with the team but did not feature in any of the three group-stage matches. Ramsey favored Banks as the starter, citing his extensive experience—59 caps by then—and reliability, with Stepney serving as one of two reserves alongside amid a highly competitive pool of goalkeepers in the era. In total, Stepney accumulated just one cap without scoring, a tally he later reflected on as overshadowed by Banks' dominance, though he expressed pride in the honor of even that single appearance and his involvement. The transition from under-23 level to this lone outing highlighted the challenges of breaking into Ramsey's established setup, where proven performers like Banks held firm precedence.

Later playing and coaching career

Post-United club moves

Following his departure from Manchester United in 1978, Stepney signed with the of the (NASL) in August 1978. Over two seasons from 1979 to 1980, he made 54 appearances as the team's primary , recording a goals-against average of 1.11 in 1979 and 1.07 in 1980 while helping the Tornado secure a playoff spot that year, where they advanced past the first round before elimination in the conference semifinals. During this period, Stepney shared the dressing room with international talents, including American forward Jr., a key scorer for the club whose flair complemented the team's competitive push in the NASL's American Conference. Stepney joined non-league side on loan from in late 1979, making 17 appearances in the 1979–80 season on a part-time basis while balancing overseas commitments. His experience proved invaluable in the Alliance Premier League, where he contributed key saves during Altrincham's title push, helping secure the league that year—the club's first championship at that level. He returned briefly for 1 match in 1981–82. Across his entire professional career, Stepney amassed 678 appearances for various clubs, scoring two goals—both long-range efforts during his Manchester United tenure—while facing the challenges of transitioning from top-flight stardom to the demands of lower-tier and overseas , including adapting to different playing styles and reduced resources. He retired from playing in 1982 at age 39, citing the cumulative physical toll of over two decades as a and a growing desire to spend more time with his family.

Transition to coaching roles

Following his retirement from playing in 1982 after a brief stint at , Alex Stepney transitioned into coaching roles within football, leveraging his extensive experience as a top-level to mentor emerging talents. He began with positions as a goalkeeping coach at lower-tier professional clubs, including spells at Exeter City and , where he focused on developing technical skills and match preparation for young keepers drawing from his own career highlights, such as the 1968 European Cup triumph. Stepney's most notable coaching engagement came in the professional ranks at Manchester City, where he served as goalkeeping coach from 2000 to 2001 under manager . During this period, he contributed to the training regime at a time when the club was competing in the , emphasizing positioning and reaction techniques informed by his European-level expertise, though the team faced relegation challenges that year. His tenure ended with Royle's dismissal in May 2001, after which Stepney's active coaching involvement tapered off into the mid-2000s, occasionally including advisory contributions tied to his ongoing connections with Manchester United.

Style of play

Technical goalkeeping abilities

Stepney demonstrated exceptional positioning and anticipation as a , allowing him to read opposing plays early and narrow angles effectively to prevent shots on goal. This tactical acumen contributed to his impressive record of 175 clean sheets for Manchester United, with a notable in the 1967-68 season for Manchester United where he recorded 14 clean sheets in 34 league appearances, aiding the team's First Division title win. His ability to anticipate movements was particularly vital in high-stakes matches, underpinning his reliability as the last line of defense. In one-on-one situations, Stepney's agility and quick reflexes shone through, enabling spectacular saves that preserved leads for his team. A prime example is his diving stop to deny late in the against Benfica, clutching the powerful shot at full stretch when the score was tied at 1-1, a moment that helped Manchester United secure the trophy in extra time. Despite his of 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m), which was modest for a top of the era, Stepney commanded the assertively, organizing defenders and intercepting crosses to maintain defensive solidity. Stepney's distribution skills supported Manchester United's fluid, attacking style under Sir , with accurate long throws that quickly transitioned defense to offense and limited but precise kicking to launch counters. Over more than 500 appearances for the club, his overall consistency was a hallmark, though he occasionally faltered under pressure from high crosses, resulting in errors that exposed early question marks about his catching reliability.

Psychological and eccentric traits

Alex Stepney was known for his outspoken personality on the pitch, often engaging in vocal exchanges with teammates to maintain defensive organization and motivation. A notable example occurred during a 1975 league match against Birmingham City, where Stepney dislocated his jaw while shouting instructions at his defenders, an incident that underscored his intense and direct communication style. This fiery demeanor helped foster camaraderie within the squad, particularly during challenging periods, as Stepney used banter and encouragement to rally players like amid Manchester United's turbulent 1970s. Stepney exhibited remarkable mental toughness following the Munich air disaster's lingering impact on the club, maintaining focus and composure despite the emotional weight of the , which was rarely discussed openly among the team. Joining in 1966, he contributed to the 1968 European Cup triumph, a victory that symbolized resilience for a squad still shadowed by the 1958 loss of the . His ability to perform under pressure persisted through the club's decline, including the 1974 relegation to the Second after conceding 48 goals in 42 appearances, where Stepney took personal responsibility for defensive lapses while helping secure immediate promotion the following season. Regarded as an "" goalkeeper rather than a flashy performer like , Stepney earned praise for his reliability and consistency during high-stakes moments, qualities that Sir valued highly when signing him for a world-record £55,000 fee in 1966 to stabilize the post-Munich defense. Busby later highlighted Stepney's steady presence as pivotal to the team's success, contrasting his no-nonsense approach with more acrobatic contemporaries while emphasizing his dependability in adversity.

Honours

Club trophies won

Stepney's debut season with Manchester United in 1966–67 culminated in the First Division title, the club's first since the 1964–65 campaign, with Stepney establishing himself as the primary after joining from on 1 September 1966 for a then-record £55,000 fee for a goalkeeper. He appeared in 35 of the 42 league matches, contributing significantly to the defensive solidity that saw United finish four points ahead of Nottingham Forest, while keeping 16 clean sheets in the league—the joint-highest tally that season. The following year, Stepney played all 11 matches as Manchester United became the first English club to win the European Cup in the 1967–68 edition, defeating Benfica 4–1 after extra time in the final. His pivotal save from in the 85th minute, after Benfica equalized through Graça in the 79th minute, preserved the 1–1 draw leading to extra time, allowing United's comeback through goals from , , and . Stepney added the to his honors in 1976–77, United's first since 1963, appearing in all six matches of the victorious run, including the 2–1 win over in the final. His experience as the longest-serving player in Tommy Docherty's squad proved crucial in the defensive effort against a dominant side, securing what would be his final major club trophy with United. Among minor honors, Stepney featured in the , which ended in a 3–3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, resulting in a shared trophy between the league and winners from the previous season. He also participated in the shared 1977 FA Charity Shield with Liverpool following the triumph. Additionally, he was the mainstay goalkeeper during Manchester United's 1974–75 Second Division win, appearing in 41 of 42 league games to help secure back to the top flight with a nine-point margin over Aston Villa.

Individual and team recognitions

Stepney's potential was recognized early in his career through international youth selections, earning two caps for the under-23 team in 1965 during his time at . These appearances, against and , highlighted his emergence as a promising capable of competing at a high level. Later, he was included in the squad for the in as the third-choice behind and , though he did not feature in any matches during the tournament. This selection underscored his status as one of the nation's top goalkeepers at the time, even amid competition from established internationals. His market value was validated by a landmark transfer on 1 September 1966, when Manchester signed him from for £55,000, setting a fee for a . The deal reflected the high regard in which Stepney was held following his strong performances at and a brief stint at , positioning him as a key replacement for the retiring under manager . At , Stepney's contributions earned him lasting club recognition, including his inclusion in the Manchester United Hall of Fame as one of the top appearance-makers in club history with 539 games. In the later stages of his playing career, Stepney contributed to team successes at non-league level, notably helping secure the Alliance Premier League title in the 1980–81 season as part of his post- playing stint. His experience proved instrumental in the club's inaugural back-to-back championship win in the top tier of , as noted in Altrincham histories, where he provided stability in goal amid a competitive campaign. This achievement added to his legacy of team honors beyond the major trophies won earlier with United.

Legacy and later life

Influence on Manchester United history

Alex Stepney contributed significantly to Manchester United's post-Munich air disaster rebuilding phase, emerging as the club's first-choice and playing every minute of their 1968 European Cup campaign, culminating in a 4-1 victory over Benfica in the final that epitomized the team's triumph over tragedy under Sir . His pivotal save against in the final minutes of normal time during that final preserved United's 1-1 draw and underscored his reliability in high-stakes moments during the club's recovery era. Over his 12-year stint from 1966 to 1978, Stepney amassed 539 appearances for Manchester United, establishing a club record for goalkeepers at the time and ranking second-highest among all goalkeepers in the club's history behind , ahead of . This extended service bridged the Busby era with the challenging , where United faced financial difficulties, managerial instability, and relegation to the Second Division in 1974; despite the relegation, Stepney remained a constant presence. The following season (1974–75), Stepney started all 42 league games, helping secure promotion back to the First Division under . Stepney's on-field leadership and experience influenced subsequent generations of goalkeepers, particularly , who joined United in 1978 as his understudy and direct successor, absorbing the professional standards and resilience that defined Stepney's career amid the club's turbulent period. In recognition of his enduring impact, Stepney is frequently ranked among Manchester United's top 10 players of the in fan polls and , celebrated for embodying the club's spirit of perseverance.

Post-retirement activities and personal insights

Following his departure from Manchester United in 1978 and retirement from professional in 1982, Alex Stepney established a career as an after-dinner speaker, delivering motivational talks and anecdotes from his Manchester United tenure at corporate events, sportsman dinners, fundraisers, and days. Stepney has remained active in media, providing commentary and interviews on radio and podcasts, including appearances on sharing memories of key matches and teammates. In October 2023, he paid tribute to the late Sir , describing his playing style as "poetry in motion" and hailing him as an inspirational figure and close friend during a memorial event at . He reiterated these sentiments in 2024, reflecting on Charlton's enduring impact one year after his passing. Regarding Manchester United's 2024 managerial change, Stepney commented in November on Erik ten Hag's sacking and the appointment of Ruben Amorim, expressing support for the club's direction under new ownership while drawing parallels to past transitions. Stepney has engaged in charitable efforts with the Manchester United Foundation, notably attending the launch of Sir Bobby's Street Reds program in in August 2024, a free initiative for young people funded by the Sir Foundation. In his autobiographies, including Alex Stepney (1978) and Tooting Common to the Stretford End (2011), Stepney offers personal reflections on his career alongside glimpses into his life, such as crediting relatives for support during his playing days. He is married and has a son, John, who manages operations at Ashton-on-Mersey in . Stepney himself enjoys as a hobby, frequently participating in club events, including a visit to Dunham Forest in May 2025. At age 83 in 2025, he maintains an active, low-key public profile, focusing on United-related engagements and personal pursuits in the north of England.

References

  1. [1]
    Alex Stepney | Man Utd Legends Profile | Manchester United
    Stepney began his career as a trainee at Millwall, before moving to Chelsea for £52,000 in June 1966. After only three months at Stamford Bridge he made the ...
  2. [2]
    BBC Sport Academy | Football | In the hands of a goalkeeping great
    I went on to make over 500 appearances for United and kept 175 clean sheets. In my career I won the European Cup, the League Championship and the FA Cup. I even ...
  3. [3]
    Alex Stepney: Man United goalkeeper Profile & Stats
    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 ...
  4. [4]
    Alex Stepney - Player profile | Transfermarkt
    Date of birth/Age: Sep 18, 1942 (83) ; Citizenship: England ; Position: Goalkeeper ; Former International: England.
  5. [5]
    Alex Stepney talks about winning the 1968 European Cup
    May 29, 2018 · Alex Stepney has been reflecting on Manchester United's 1968 European Cup triumph and that save against Benfica's Eusebio.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  6. [6]
    Alex Stepney - Titles & achievements | Transfermarkt
    Alex Stepney · 1x European Champion Clubs' Cup winner · 1x English Champion · 1x English FA Cup winner · 1x English Super Cup winner · All titles ...
  7. [7]
    England Players - Alex Stepney
    Oct 11, 2020 · Born, 18 September 1942 at 27 Percy Road, Beddington Corner in Mitcham Junction, Surrey [registered as Alex C. in Mitcham, September 1942]. To ...Missing: upbringing clerk
  8. [8]
    Exclusive: From paint sprayer to Man United legend - Alex Stepney
    May 2, 2020 · Alex Stepney speaks exclusively to Stretty News about his football career and winning the European Cup in 1968. Read about his trail from ...
  9. [9]
    In Safe Hands – Alex Stepney - Vital Football
    Sep 17, 2019 · Alex Stepney was born on 18 September 1942, in Mitcham Junction, Surrey and attended Hackbridge Junior School and Carshalton West Secondary ...
  10. [10]
    Club Legends Alex Stepney - Tooting & Mitcham United
    Alex was a Mitcham lad who came through the Tooting Colts and Reserves at the time of the great Terrors side of 1958-59 which all but beat Nottingham Forest ...Missing: birth youth
  11. [11]
    Back Promotions 1964-1966 - The Millwall History Files
    Since joining from Tooting and Mitcham at the end of the 1962/63 Season, Alex had played in 137 consecutive League games, keeping 51 clean sheets. Millwall had ...
  12. [12]
    England Matches - Under-23's 1954-76
    Chisnall, Peter Thompson. 40, 5 February 1964 - England 3 Scotland 2 [2-2] St ... England: Alex Stepney, Chris Lawler, R.Thomson, John Hollins, V.Mobley ...
  13. [13]
    Moscow showdown is the perfect stage for Ronaldo to match our '68 ...
    Stepney might have been rooting for Chelsea but fate curtailed his Stamford Bridge career after only one appearance. 'I won three England Under 23 caps at ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    https://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/manchester-united-fc/alex-stepney-4805/biography-of-his-goalkeeping-career-for-man-utd_a12268/
  15. [15]
    Alex Stepney | Chelsea FC Profile Page - Stamford-Bridge.com
    Born: Friday, 18th September 1942 (age: 83) ; Place of birth: Mitcham, Surrey, England ; Height: 6' ...
  16. [16]
    Manchester United v Manchester City, 17 September 1966 - 11v11
    Manchester United v Manchester City, 17 September 1966 ... Alex Stepney made his debut after moving from Chelsea this month. 1 Manchester United. 0 Manchester ...
  17. [17]
    Alex Stepney - Stats 66/67 - Transfermarkt
    This page contains information about a player's detailed stats. In the info box, you can filter by period, club, type of league and competition. The "Detailed ...
  18. [18]
    1966-67 Season Top Goal Keepers - English Football Archive
    Top 5 Div 1 Goal Keepers 1966-67. Pos, Goal Keeper, Club, Clean Sheets. 1, Pat Jennings, Tottenham Hotspur, 16. 1, Alex Stepney, Manchester United, 16.
  19. [19]
    Manchester United played on Saturday 25 March 1967 - LFChistory
    Goalkeepers clean sheets · Honours · League history · Liverpool's best ... Alex Stepney · Tony Dunne · Bobby Noble · Paddy Crerand · Bill Foulkes · Nobby Stiles ...
  20. [20]
    Manchester United » Fixtures & Results 1966/1967 - worldfootball.net
    31/12/1966, H. Leeds United · 0:0 (0:0) · Round · 14 ... Ruben Amorim hailed Manchester United's 4-2 win against Brighton on... more ...
  21. [21]
    UTD Unscripted Alex Stepney shares his Tales of the Trinity
    I went up to Manchester with Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy on the Tuesday, sat in the stands with Denis Law on the Wednesday to watch the team lose at ...Missing: integration | Show results with:integration
  22. [22]
    Stepney and Sadler on United's '68 win - UEFA.com
    May 6, 2011 · Manchester United FC became European champions at Wembley in 1968, ten years after the Munich air disaster. Keeper Alex Stepney and defender ...
  23. [23]
    1968 European Cup final was sweetest of victories for Matt Busby
    United's famous European Cup win in 1968 at Wembley was the holy grail for brilliant manager Matt Busby.
  24. [24]
    Alex Stepney: the day Eusébio applauded me for saving his shot
    Jan 5, 2014 · The Portugal player was a gentleman who respected football, says the former Manchester United goalkeeper.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  25. [25]
    Have any football champions gone out of business faster than ...
    May 20, 2020 · It turns out there are plenty of examples of champions who have tumbled into oblivion in double-quick time.<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    1968-1969 Manchester United Stats, All Competitions - FBref.com
    Check out First Division's latest scores, goals, shooting, passing, defense, possession stats and more for the 1968-1969 Manchester United.
  27. [27]
    Alex Stepney - Stats 68/69 - Transfermarkt
    Detailed stats tab shows a player's total appearances, goals, cards and cumulative minutes of play for each competition, and indicates the season in which it ...
  28. [28]
    Thunderous: a history of Manchester United v City League Cup ...
    Oct 26, 2016 · Manchester City's Mike Summerbee scores the winner on aggregate past Alex Stepney in the 1969 semi. View image in fullscreen. Manchester City's ...
  29. [29]
    Alex Stepney - Stats 67/68 - Transfermarkt
    The "Detailed stats" tab shows a player's total appearances, goals, cards and cumulative minutes of play for each competition, and indicates the season in which ...Missing: 1966-67 | Show results with:1966-67
  30. [30]
    How goalkeeper Alex Stepney was joint-top Man Utd scorer 50 ...
    Oct 20, 2023 · "In all due respect, I was getting my own back because, when I was an amateur, I played for Tooting & Mitcham and our local derby was against ...
  31. [31]
    Man United legends from 1974 on nightmare relegation 50 years ago
    Jan 3, 2025 · Alex Stepney admits the warning signs were there when Manchester ... In 42 league games Stepney only conceded 48 times, eight of which came in 1.
  32. [32]
    Alex Stepney recalls Man Utd rise from relegation to FA Cup winners
    Mar 1, 2023 · Stepney was in goal when United won the European Cup in 1968 and still there for their shock relegation to the Second Division in 1974.Missing: adaptation legacy
  33. [33]
    https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eng-u23-intres-det.html
  34. [34]
    Manchester United - Transfers 77/78 - Transfermarkt
    Departures ; Alex Stepney. Goalkeeper. 35. Dallas Tornado. United States ? ; Gerry Daly. Attacking Midfield. 23. Derby County · Derby. England First Division (- ...
  35. [35]
    England - U-23 International Results - Details
    Mar 27, 2004 · ... 1964 FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL 05/02/1964, Newcastle, St James Park ... SCOTLAND U23 [HT 1-1] Scorers: Mick Channon ?', 69' ENGLAND U23 ...
  36. [36]
    Ron Greenwood - England Manager
    Jun 4, 2025 · He became assistant manager of Arsenal FC on 17 December 1957, he also coached the England Youth and Under-23 teams.
  37. [37]
    England 3-1 Sweden, Wednesday, 22nd May 1968 (422)
    422 - 22nd May 1968 ; 12Alex StepneyMan Utd, Only Cap 25 years, 8 months, 4 days. Goalkeeper ; NewtonBlackburn, 8th of 27 caps 26 years, 10 months, 29 days. Right ...
  38. [38]
    England Match No. 422 - Sweden - 22 May 1968
    Jul 6, 2015 · Alex Stepney played his only game in the England goal one week before helping Manchester United win the European Cup on the same pitch.
  39. [39]
    I told Gordon Banks in our room that we were out of the 1970 World ...
    Feb 12, 2019 · Alex Stepney, led out by Bobby Moore, walks out for England's game against Sweden. 1:08.
  40. [40]
    England in the World Cup - 1970 Final Squad
    Apr 12, 2021 · Finals Squad ; 13. Stepney, Alex C. · 27, G, Manchester United FC ; 14. Wright, Thomas J. · 25, RB, Everton FC ; 15. Stiles, Norbert P. · 28, M ...
  41. [41]
    Man Utd's greatest XI of England internationals - Manchester United
    Nov 14, 2019 · Stepney only ever won one cap, due largely to the presence of long-term incumbent Gordon Banks. DEFENDERS. ROGER BYRNE (33 caps). Busby Babe ...
  42. [42]
    EXCLUSIVE: Alex Stepney: "It's An Honour To Play For Your Country"
    ... victory over Sweden at Wembley: “I'd been on the bench and a few trips with them before as well as playing in three under-23 games. You had to earn your cap ...
  43. [43]
    NASL-Alex Stepney
    North American Soccer League Players ; Born · September 18, 1942 ; City · Mitcham, Surrey, England ; Height · 6' 1" ; Weight · 180 lbs. ; National Team · England 1968 (1 ...
  44. [44]
    1979 Dallas Tornado soccer Roster on StatsCrew.com
    Alex Stepney recorded a 1.11 goals against average, leading qualifying goalkeepers. Al Miller coached the team. The 1979 Dallas Tornado lost in the ...
  45. [45]
    1980 Dallas Tornado soccer Roster on StatsCrew.com
    Alex Stepney recorded a 1.07 goals against average, leading regular keepers. Al Miller coached the team. The 1980 Dallas Tornado lost in the Conference ...
  46. [46]
    NASL Dallas Tornado Rosters
    Alex Stepney, G, 6' 1", 180, 28, 2597, 0, 0, 0, England. 13,16, Antonio Simoes, M, 5' 8", 150, 6, 481, 1, 1, 3, Portugal. 25,28, Freddie Garcia, F, 5' 9", 160 ...
  47. [47]
    altrincham fc players of 1979-80
    ALEX STEPNEY: Had a long and distinguished career with Manchester United, Chelsea and Millwall. and was capped for England before joining Dallas Tornados ...
  48. [48]
    Alex Stepney (Player) | National Football Teams
    General Information about the player Alex Stepney ; Age. 83 ; Day of Birth. 1942-09-18 ; Place of Birth. Mitcham (England) ; Height. 1.80m ; FIFA Matches. 1.
  49. [49]
    Alex Stepney - worldfootball.net
    Club career ; 07/1966 - 09/1966. Chelsea FC. Goalkeeper ; 07/1963 - 06/1966. Millwall FC. Goalkeeper ; 07/1961 - 06/1963. Tooting & Mitcham Utd. Goalkeeper.<|control11|><|separator|>
  50. [50]
    Royle pays the price of failure | Soccer - The Guardian
    May 21, 2001 · Joe Royle has been sacked by Manchester City amid allegations of a "drinking culture" inside Maine Road. Daniel Taylor on the problems at ...
  51. [51]
    Altrincham FC Legends - Luso Pages
    He still works as an after-dinner speaker. Alex Stepney's Career. Tooting & Mitcham: Millwall: (05/63) 1963/64-65/66, 137-0L ( ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  52. [52]
    David De Gea surpasses Gary Bailey in Man Utd clean sheets table
    Jan 23, 2022 · Stepney has an impressive total of 175 clean sheets, accumulated over the course of 539 games in his 13-year stint with the Reds. The 1966 ...
  53. [53]
    View topic - Alex STEPNEY 1967-1970 - Pes Miti del Calcio
    Mar 10, 2013 · Alex Stepney has played more games for Manchester United than any other goalkeeper. He played under five different managers between 1966 ...
  54. [54]
    Alex Stepney - Career stats | Transfermarkt
    The "Detailed stats" tab shows a player's total appearances, goals, cards and cumulative minutes of play for each competition, and indicates the season in which ...
  55. [55]
    Football's freak injuries | Soccer - The Guardian
    May 15, 2009 · Alex Stepney In 1975 the Manchester United goalkeeper dislocated his jaw while shouting at his defenders during a match against Birmingham.Missing: teammates | Show results with:teammates
  56. [56]
    The Most Bizarre Injuries Suffered By Professional Athletes
    Oct 15, 2014 · In 1975, Stepney, then Man-U's goalkeeper, shouted at his defenders so vehemently that he dislocated his jaw during a match against Birmingham.
  57. [57]
    THE 1967-68 EUROPEAN CUP | Read The League
    Jan 22, 2024 · Matt Busby, after barely surviving the disaster himself had rebuilt his team, capturing the F.A. Cup in 1963 and, in 1964-65, the league title ...
  58. [58]
    Glory Days: 1977 FA Cup winners - Manchester United
    May 20, 2020 · While the Reds' progress to Wembley was merited, there were some nervy late moments in the semi-final as goalkeeper Alex Stepney and some errant ...
  59. [59]
    How the team was built: Manchester United's 1977 FA Cup winners
    Jul 21, 2024 · Alex Stepney was the longest serving member having joined from Chelsea in 1966 for a then record fee for a goalkeeper of £ 55,000. Stepney ...
  60. [60]
    Manchester United 3 v 3 Tottenham Hotspur, Charity Shield, Final ...
    Manchester United player portrait of Stepney, Alex, Stepney, Alex. Manchester ... Charity Shield. 74. 23rd September 1967. 3-1. Div 1. 75. 27th January 1968.
  61. [61]
    The origins and a brief history of the FA Community Shield
    In 1967, Tottenham goalkeeper Pat Jennings scored a goal from his own penalty area against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Alex Stepney was the embarrassed ...
  62. [62]
    Alex STEPNEY - Biography of his goalkeeping career for Man Utd.
    Alex Stepney joined Manchester United in August 1966 from Chelsea for £55,000, a then world record fee for a goalkeeper.
  63. [63]
    Top 10 appearances: Man Utd Hall of Fame | Manchester United
    Jan 7, 2023 · 8 – ALEX STEPNEY (1966-1978). Appearances: 535. Clean sheets: 175. Goals: 2. The most-capped goalkeeper in United history, Stepney was also part ...
  64. [64]
    Altrincham FC
    During a successful spell comprising over 400 appearances for the Canal Street club, he captained the Cheshire team to the 1980/81 Northern Premier League title ...
  65. [65]
    Altrincham FC Legends
    John was an unfussy, dominant and quietly competent keeper, who succeeded the much heralded (and short term) Alex Stepney ... Manchester United debut ...
  66. [66]
    A legacy that still lives on: Manchester United's 1968 European Cup ...
    May 5, 2018 · As goalkeeper Alex Stepney would write years later, "it seemed taboo" to talk about the eight United players, three staff members, eight ...<|separator|>
  67. [67]
    David de Gea breaks Man Utd goalkeeper appearance record
    May 7, 2023 · Stepney retains the record for league appearances made by a Reds goalkeeper, with 433, although De Gea will have that accolade in his sights, ...
  68. [68]
    When United dropped to the second division - Manchester United
    Apr 26, 2024 · It fooled former team-mate Alex Stepney and went into the net. Law immediately walked off the pitch as his manager replaced him. It would be his ...Missing: 1970s | Show results with:1970s
  69. [69]
    Gary Bailey On Manchester United, FA Cup Success And Growing ...
    Jul 13, 2022 · Your arrival at the club coincided with the retirement of European Cup winning goalkeeper Alex Stepney. Did you feel any extra pressure on ...Missing: mentorship | Show results with:mentorship
  70. [70]
    Best Manchester United Players of All Time, Ranked
    Over 13K sports fans have voted on the 70+ athletes on Best Manchester United Players of All Time, Ranked. Current Top 3: Bobby Charlton, Paul Scholes, ...
  71. [71]
    Manchester United's Top 10 Goalkeepers of All-Time
    Jun 7, 2018 · 10. Fabian Barthez · 9. Anders Lindegaard · 8. Reg Allen · 7. Gary Bailey · 6. Harry Moger · 5. Harry Gregg · 4. Alex Stepney · 3. Jimmy Rimmer.Missing: century books
  72. [72]
    Alex Stepney - Soccer Speaker
    He made 535 appearances and scored 2 goals. He was Manchester United's first choice goalkeeper for 10 years during which time he won International recognition ...
  73. [73]
    Former Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney shares his ...
    Feb 11, 2025 · No photo description available. BBC Breakfast. 󱢏. TV show. Pages. 󱙿. Businesses. 󱙿. Media/news company. 󱙿. Radio station. 󱙿. BBC Radio 5 live.Missing: commentary | Show results with:commentary
  74. [74]
    Bobby Charlton's football was 'poetry in motion', says former teammate
    Oct 25, 2023 · Stepney said “It was poetry in motion when he picked the ball up” as he paid tribute to Charlton ahead of Manchester United's Champions League ...
  75. [75]
    Kidd and Stepney remember Sir Bobby one year on
    Oct 20, 2024 · Brian Kidd and Alex Stepney helped the Reds become champions of Europe alongside Sir Bobby in 1968 and shared the pitch with the proud Academy graduate.
  76. [76]
    Manchester United legend Alex Stepney talks Erik ten Hag sacking ...
    Nov 1, 2024 · Manchester United legend Alex Stepney exclusively talks to United in Focus about Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and more.Missing: comments death
  77. [77]
    Sir Bobby's Street Reds launches in Moss Side - Manchester United
    Aug 30, 2024 · Street Reds is a free football provision ran by Manchester United Foundation. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney attended the ...
  78. [78]
    Manchester United Foundation - Facebook
    Sep 8, 2025 · This time last year, Manchester United great Alex Stepney was on hand to launch Sir Bobby's Street Reds ⚽ Funded by The Sir Bobby Charlton ...Missing: work | Show results with:work
  79. [79]
    Tooting Common to the Stretford End : Stepney, Alex, Saffer, David
    Rating 4.0 (27) In Tooting Common to the Stretford End Alex Stepney gives the low down on his football career, describes his relationships - some good, some bad - with his ...
  80. [80]
    United legend's son has swapped Reds for greens
    Jan 18, 2013 · Alex was a Manchester United player and son John now makes sure Ashton-on-Mersey Golf club is kept in immaculate condition.Missing: hobbies | Show results with:hobbies
  81. [81]
    Alex Stepney on X
    May 19, 2025 · Alex Stepney on X. Thanks for the great company today Paul, Dan & Fraser at Dunham Forest golf club, Great lads, my pleasure.Missing: hobbies | Show results with:hobbies
  82. [82]
    Alex Stepney - Wikipedia
    Honours ; Football League First Division: 1966–67 ; FA Cup: 1976–77; runner-up: 1975–76 ; FA Charity Shield: 1967, 1977 ; European Cup: 1967–68 ...Early career · Later Manchester United career · Later career