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Raymond Kennedy (28 July 1951 – 30 November 2021)[3] was an English footballer who won every domestic honour in the game with Arsenal and Liverpool in the 1970s and early 1980s. Kennedy played as a forward for Arsenal and then played as a left-sided midfielder for Liverpool. He scored 148 goals in 581 league and cup appearances in a 15-year career in the English Football League. Also, he won 17 caps for England between 1976 and 1980, scoring three international goals.

Key Information

Kennedy turned professional for Arsenal in November 1968. He made his first-team debut 10 months later and went on to win the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970, the First Division and FA Cup Double in 1970–71, and then play on the losing side in the 1972 FA Cup final. His form then declined, and he was sold to Liverpool for a club record £200,000 fee in July 1974, at the same time that Bill Shankly resigned as manager. He initially struggled at the club, but after manager Bob Paisley converted him to a left-sided midfielder, he went on to help Liverpool become the dominant club in English football from 1975 to 1982. During his time at the club Liverpool won the First Division five times (1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, and 1981–82), the FA Charity Shield four times (1976, 1977, 1979 and 1980), the European Cup three times, (1977, 1978, and 1981), and the UEFA Cup (1976), UEFA Super Cup (1977), and League Cup (1981). He also picked up runners-up medals in the FA Cup (1977), UEFA Super Cup (1978), League Cup (1978), and World Club Championship (1981) and won the Match of the Day's Goal of the Season award in 1978–79.

He was a strong player with an excellent first touch, intelligence, and all-round ability. This allowed him to transition from a forward to a midfielder at Liverpool. Despite his trophy successes with Arsenal and Liverpool, after winning six caps for the England under-23 side, he could not translate his club form into a good international career. He was used as a stand-in for Trevor Brooking before he retired from international football in frustration in March 1981. His only international tournament appearance was at Euro 1980. Bob Paisley described him as "one of Liverpool's greatest players and probably the most underrated".

Kennedy joined Swansea City for a £160,000 fee in January 1982 and added a Welsh Cup winners medal to his collection four months later. However, the effects of Parkinson's disease began to reduce his effectiveness on the pitch, and he dropped into the Fourth Division with Hartlepool United in November 1983. During the 1984–85 season, he spent a brief time as player-manager of Cyprus club Pezoporikos and later played for Northern League club Ashington. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in November 1984. His life after football was difficult, as he had to deal with the effects of Parkinson's, the loss of his business, and the breakdown of his 15-year marriage. He remained reliant on charity to fund his medical expenses and was forced to sell his medal collection and caps in 1993.

Club career

[edit]

Ray Kennedy was born on 28 July 1951 in Seaton Delaval, a former pit village in Northumberland, to Martin and Veronica Kennedy, a coal miner and housewife, respectively.[4] He was the eldest of four children: Trevor, Michael, and Janet.[5] He was spotted playing schoolboy football by a scout at Port Vale and began training at Vale Park after manager Stanley Matthews came to the Kennedy home to persuade him to sign schoolboy forms at the club.[6][7] However, at the age of 16 Matthews felt Kennedy was "too slow to be a footballer".[8] Kennedy was considered to be too big and clumsy to be a professional, and groundskeeper Dennis Dawson said he was the only man at the club to see any potential in the youngster.[9] The club released him after being told that he would never make it as a professional.[9]

Kennedy returned to his native north-east in March 1967 and started working in a sweet factory whilst playing as an amateur for New Hartley Juniors, where he built a successful attacking partnership with former England schoolboy international Ian Watts.[10] The pair scored 142 goals between them and helped the club to win the East Northumberland Junior League, the Northumberland FA Junior Cup, the East Northumberland Junior League Cup, the North East Youth Challenge Cup, the East Northumberland Junior League Charlton Trophy, the Tynemouth Junior League Challenge Cup and the Magpie Trophy.[11]

Arsenal

[edit]

Kennedy was spotted by Arsenal playing for New Hartley Juniors. Though the scouts had initially gone to the game to watch his striker partner, Watts, Kennedy had impressed enough to win an apprentice contract with Arsenal in May 1968.[12] He then signed professional forms with the club in November 1968.[13] He had a difficult task though to win a first-team place, as manager Bertie Mee used only 15 players throughout the entire 1968–69 season, during which time Kennedy made 20 appearances for the Reserve team as they claimed the Football Combination Division One title.[14]

He made his first-team debut on 29 September 1969, against Glentoran in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup[15] and his First Division debut as a substitute on 18 October, a 1–1 draw with Sunderland at Roker Park.[16] He scored his first goal for the Gunners in the reverse fixture against Sunderland at Highbury, which ended in a 3–1 win.[16][17] He went on to appear as a 77th-minute substitute in the first leg of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final against Belgian club Anderlecht at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, and scored a late goal in a 3–1 defeat.[18][19] Though he did not appear in the second leg, his goal proved to be decisive as Arsenal claimed a 4–3 aggregate victory to win the first European trophy in the club's history.[20]

Charlie George broke his ankle on the opening game of the 1970–71 season, and Kennedy replaced him as John Radford's strike partner for the following game and went on to feature in the remaining league fixtures of the campaign as Arsenal went on to be crowned champions.[21] They exited the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup with a defeat to the German side 1. FC Köln at the quarter-final stage, though after their draw with Lazio in the first round Kennedy was attacked by some of the Lazio players in an Italian restaurant, and in the ensuing brawl, police pulled a gun on teammate Eddie Kelly; Kennedy later said the Lazio players targeted him due to his "cheeky face".[22] Back in the league, he scored his first hat-trick in victory over Nottingham Forest. However, he admitted after the match that he was "still expecting to be dropped any minute".[23] Arsenal overtook Leeds United to win the league title on the final day of the season, Kennedy scoring the only goal of the game with a late header in a 1–0 victory over North London derby rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.[24] In the FA Cup, Arsenal progressed past Yeovil Town, Portsmouth (following a replay), Manchester City, Leicester City (following a replay), and Stoke City (following a replay), before meeting Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool led early in extra time, but goals from George Graham and Charlie George won the game for Arsenal. They secured only the fourth Double in English football.[25] Kennedy had missed some good chances throughout the match, though he later pointed out that "nobody really remembers anything bad if you win".[26]

Arsenal endured a poor start to the 1971–72 season, and as a result, Mee purchased Alan Ball from Everton for £220,000.[27] They went on to go 14 games unbeaten over the winter, closing the gap on leaders Manchester City to four points.[28] They were knocked out of the European Cup at the quarter-final stage by eventual winners Ajax.[28] They ended the season in fifth place, and gifted Derby County the league title by denying Liverpool what would have proved to be a decisive victory on the penultimate day of the season.[29] Arsenal returned to Wembley to defend the FA Cup, but lost 1–0 to Leeds United; Kennedy had lost his first-team place late in the season after fatigue began to affect his form, and was only named as a substitute for the final before he came on for Radford after 73 minutes.[29] He scored 19 goals in 55 appearances to finish as the club's top goalscorer for the second successive season.[29]

He struggled at the start of the 1972–73 season, his confidence and form suffered as defenders marked him more closely and poor diet saw his weight rise to over 14 stone (200 lb; 89 kg).[30] Captain Frank McLintock remarked to the management that Kennedy was only operating at 60% capacity. Kennedy was fined £200 before he began to shed weight and rediscover his form.[31] Arsenal finished the season in second place, and he scored just nine league goals throughout the campaign.[31] Arsenal reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where Sunderland beat them.[32]

Arsenal dropped into mid-table throughout the 1973–74 season, with McLintock's departure signalling the demise of the Double-winning team.[33] Kennedy failed to score from 6 October to mid-January, and speculation rose of possible moves to Sunderland, Newcastle United, or Aston Villa.[33] In February, he released a statement saying that "my game has gone downhill since I got married but has started to pick up again now I am in bachelordom... I feel that I am better off without her".[33] He ended the season in good form, though Mee had already decided to move him on and replace him with Brian Kidd.[34]

I couldn't believe it when he left and felt it was a great shame to have broken up our partnership which had wobbled slightly but which I was sure would come together again with a little time.

— Strike partner John Radford was particularly disappointed to see that Kennedy was sold on, and himself would leave the club in December 1976 after 12 seasons in the Arsenal first team.[35]

Liverpool

[edit]
Kennedy (right) defending against AZ's Jan Peters in October 1981. This would be his final season playing for Liverpool, as he was sold to Swansea City in January 1982.

In July 1974, Kennedy was sold to Liverpool for a club record £200,000.[36] Manager Bill Shankly resigned on the same day as the transfer was made, though had admired Kennedy for years and stated that "maybe it will be said that one of the last things I did at this club was to sign a great new player".[37][38] Shortly after the move Kennedy got back in touch with his estranged wife. The pair began living together in Ainsdale.[39] New manager Bob Paisley handed Kennedy his debut in place of John Toshack against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 31 August 1974. It took Kennedy 22 minutes to open his goalscoring account as the Reds recorded a comfortable 3–0 win.[40] Liverpool ended the 1974–75 season as runners-up to Derby County in the league.[40] Kennedy featured just 25 times in the league as Toshack formed an effective combination with Kevin Keegan up front and started to become frustrated and disillusioned in the club.[41][42]

Bob Paisley felt Kennedy could perform as a midfielder. After Kennedy replaced an injured Peter Cormack against Middlesbrough on 1 November, he went on to make the number five shirt his own for the rest of the decade.[43] His new position allowed him to use his vision and distribution to create chances for his teammates whilst still allowing him to make runs into scoring positions to add goals himself.[44] Liverpool won the league title in 1975–76 with a final day victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers to beat Queens Park Rangers into second place.[45] They also secured the UEFA Cup, knocking out Hibernian (Scotland), Real Sociedad (Spain), Śląsk Wrocław (Poland), Dynamo Dresden (Germany), and Barcelona (Spain), before facing Belgian side Club Brugge in the final.[46] Liverpool were losing 2–0 in the first leg of the final at Anfield before Kennedy scored the first of Liverpool's three goals to overturn the deficit; in the return leg at the Olympiastadion, Liverpool drew 1–1 to win the tie 4–3 on aggregate.[46]

Liverpool opened the new season by claiming the 1976 FA Charity Shield with a 1–0 win over Southampton and went on to win the league largely on their home form, Kennedy's goal in a 2–1 win over title contenders Ipswich Town on 30 April proving to be decisive.[47] Though Liverpool failed to win any of their last four league matches, they finished one point clear of Manchester City in second. Liverpool won the European Super Cup with a comprehensive 7–1 victory over German club Hamburg. Liverpool also reached the 1977 FA Cup final but lost the chance to follow Arsenal's feat at achieving the Double as they were beaten 2–1 by bitter rivals Manchester United.[48] In the European Cup, Liverpool beat Crusaders (Northern Ireland), Trabzonspor (Turkey), AS Saint-Étienne (France), and FC Zürich (Switzerland) to reach the final against German side Borussia Mönchengladbach.[48] In the final at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, Keegan was fouled by Vogts and won a late penalty which Phil Neal converted to give Liverpool a 3–1 victory.[49]

Following a 0–0 draw with Manchester United in the 1977 FA Charity Shield, a disappointing start to the 1977–78 season saw Liverpool out of the title race early on whilst they exited the FA Cup at the third round. They did, though, recover to post a second-place finish in the league after winning nine of their last 12 matches to end the campaign seven points behind Nottingham Forest.[50] They progressed to the League Cup final after Kennedy scored the winning goal past former club Arsenal in the semi-final.[51] However, Liverpool lost out 1–0 to Nottingham Forest in the replay of the final at Old Trafford.[52] Despite these domestic disappointments, Liverpool went on to reach the final of the European Cup after defeating Dynamo Dresden, Benfica (Portugal), and Borussia Mönchengladbach; Mönchengladbach manager Udo Lattek singled out Kennedy as the best player of the semi-final, as Kennedy scored a goal and provided assists for both Kenny Dalglish and Jimmy Case in the second leg.[53] In the final, Liverpool faced Club Brugge at Wembley and successfully defended the trophy after seeing out a 1–0 win.[54]

Liverpool's chances of winning a third successive European Cup were ended with a defeat to Nottingham Forest in the first round.[55] However, they opened the league campaign with six straight wins and dominated the league by finishing eight points clear of second-placed Forest, scoring 85 goals and conceding just 16 in the process.[56] His goal against Derby County on 24 February won him Match of the Day's Goal of the Season award.[57] Writing in his autobiography, Paisley named the 1978–79 team as the best championship team he had been associated with during his 40 years with the club.[58] Manchester United again denied them the chance to win the Double, however, as United knocked Liverpool out of the semi-finals of the FA Cup following a replay at Goodison Park.[59] Liverpool also lost the 1978 European Super Cup, following a 4–3 aggregate defeat to Anderlecht.[60]

Liverpool won the 1979 FA Charity Shield with a 3–1 victory over Kennedy's former club Arsenal, but a knee ligament injury caused Kennedy to miss a small number of games early in the season.[61] Kennedy also felt that left-back Alan Kennedy was not up to the required standard, saying, "he took five years off my career... Alan had no nerves and not much brain... we didn't gel on the pitch".[62] Alan blamed nerves for his difficulty in finding Kennedy with accurate passes.[63] Kennedy also began to face problems off the pitch, resulting in both he and Jimmy Case being arrested after they attacked a hotelier who had confused Kennedy with his namesake Alan.[64] The pair pleaded guilty to affray and were fined £150 each; despite this and other similar incidents, Kennedy did manage to avoid his off-field antics affecting his form or discipline on the pitch.[65] Kennedy later said "it was a good friendship" but "we were bad for each other".[44] Liverpool finished two points clear of second-place Manchester United in the league, with Kennedy claiming nine goals in 56 appearances.[66] They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they were beaten by Arsenal in a replay following three draws in two replays and the original tie.[66] In the summer, Kennedy signed a new four-year contract with the club.[67]

Liverpool retained the Charity Shield by beating West Ham United 1–0; however, despite only losing eight league games all season they won 17 and drew 17 of their remaining fixtures and ended the 1980–81 season in fifth place, nine points behind champions Aston Villa.[67] In the League Cup, they knocked out Bradford City, Swindon Town, Portsmouth, Birmingham City, and Manchester City to reach the final against West Ham United. They then beat West Ham 2–1 in a replay of the final to claim the first League Cup in the club's history.[68] They also reached the European Cup final after getting past Oulun Palloseura (Finland), Aberdeen (Scotland), CSKA Sofia (Bulgaria), and Bayern Munich (Germany).[69] In the semi-final against Bayern, Kennedy was named as captain as both Graeme Souness and Phil Thompson were injured and went on to score what proved to be the winning away goal at the Olympiastadion, cementing his reputation as a semi-final specialist.[70][71] Liverpool then beat Spanish club Real Madrid 1–0 in a dour final to win a third European Cup.[72]

Following the sale of Jimmy Case, Kennedy began to become disillusioned with Liverpool and was sent off twice in the space of a few weeks early in the 1981–82 season – the first red cards of his career.[73] He made his final league appearance for the club on 5 December, when he scored in a 2–0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.[74] His final cup game for the club came eight days later, in a 3–0 defeat to Brazilian side Flamengo in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup at Tokyo's National Stadium.[74] He was replaced in the team by Ronnie Whelan.[75] Liverpool went on to win the league title after finishing four points ahead of second-place Ipswich Town, and Kennedy's 15 league appearances in the first half of the campaign were enough to earn him another league championship medal.[74] Sunderland attempted to sign him on loan in January 1982 but were denied by Liverpool, and Kennedy could not agree on personal terms with manager Alan Durban so was not signed by Sunderland on a permanent transfer.[76]

"Ray's contribution to Liverpool's achievements was enormous and his consistency remarkable. So much so, in fact, that on the rare occasions he missed a match his absence was felt deeply simply because he was a midfield power house with tremendous vision and knowledge of the game... In my view he was one of Liverpool's greatest players and probably the most underrated."

— Paisley paid tribute to Kennedy in his 1983 autobiography.[77]

Later career

[edit]

In January 1982, Kennedy was signed by Swansea City on a four-year contract for a £160,000 fee to play under former teammate John Toshack.[78][79] The Swans had an unsuccessful attempt to win the league title, and five defeats in their final six games saw them end up in sixth place, 17 points behind champions Liverpool.[80] They did though win the Welsh Cup after beating South Wales derby rivals Cardiff City 2–1 in the final at Vetch Field.[80] Despite voicing his concerns over the team and his own future at the club to Toshack, Kennedy was appointed club captain for the 1982–83 season.[81] He became injured with niggling hamstring problems in mid-season, and after one increasingly rare performance the local press described him as seemingly "unwilling to work and his usual composure on the ball was lacking".[82] Kennedy's declining physical abilities were due to Parkinson's disease. However, he would not be diagnosed with the condition until after his retirement.[83] Toshack stripped Kennedy of the captaincy and suspended him from Vetch Field for two weeks.[84] He was placed on the transfer list in March 1983, and Swansea went on to be relegated into the Second Division.[85] The club's financial problems worsened, and players were asked to take a cut in wages to help ease the crisis, but Kennedy refused.[86] Toshack was sacked in October 1983, and Kennedy agreed to have his contract terminated.[87]

Kennedy signed with Mick Docherty's Hartlepool United of the Fourth Division in November 1983.[87] Docherty was sacked the following month, and unsuccessfully attempted to report the club for negotiating an illegal contract with Kennedy.[88] His assistant, Billy Horner, stepped up to manage the club for a second time in the face of a mounting financial crisis.[88] Hartlepool were forced to apply for re-election at the end of the season, and Kennedy was promoted to player-coach for his help in boosting support for the club's re-election campaign.[89] However, he left Victoria Park in summer 1984 to take up the position as player-manager of Cypriot side Pezoporikos.[90] He became increasingly unable to play the game though due to his body's physical decline, and after a poor start to the 1984–85 season he returned to England in December against the board's wishes and handed in his resignation the following month, to allow him to run the Melton Constable public house in Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay.[91] In January 1985, he joined Northern League side Ashington, managed by former teammate Colin Todd, but could only manage six appearances after suffering from increasingly alarming stiffness in his right leg due to his worsening Parkinson's disease.[92] Unable to turn out for his own Melton Constable Sunday League team, he soon found daily life difficult to cope with.[92]

International career

[edit]

Kennedy won six England under-23 caps, following his first appearance in a win over Wales at the County Ground on 5 January 1972.[93]

Don Revie gave Kennedy his first cap on 24 March 1976 in a friendly with Wales at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham; Kennedy scored the opening goal as England won the game 2–1.[94] However, he was never able to establish himself as England's left-sided midfielder of choice due to the form of Trevor Brooking.[95] He played in British Home Championship games against Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, before he was dropped for the next seven games.[95] He travelled with the squad for the 1977 tour of South America, and also that year claimed two more international goals in qualifying games against Luxembourg.[95] He then dropped out of the England picture under new manager Ron Greenwood.[95] He was named in the squad for UEFA Euro 1980 in Italy, playing against Belgium and Italy before he was dropped for England's final group game against Spain.[96] He retired from international football on 17 caps in March 1981, citing dissatisfaction with the England hierarchy.[97] Liverpool manager Bob Paisley wrote in his autobiography that "for England he [Kennedy] was played quite wrongly in a defensive role, being asked to pick people up. Ray closes people down by positional skill and does not need to chase around the pitch".[98] Kennedy stated that "I feel more pride in the red jersey of Liverpool than the white shirt of England" and that "I am resigning here and now as Greenwood's bridesmaid".[98]

Style of play

[edit]

Kennedy was a strong player with average speed, good technical ability, and an excellent first touch.[99] Arsenal coach Don Howe compared Kennedy to Tommy Lawton, and stated that Kennedy had "all the hallmarks of a classical centre forward, size, strength, bravery and skill, heading ability and a powerful left-foot shot".[100] He had a good temperament and could not be provoked by harsh opposition challenges.[101] A psychological examination conducted on behalf of Arsenal revealed that Kennedy rated highly for his ability to respond to coaching; was rated above average for aggressiveness, determination, guilt-proneness (accepting responsibility for the team); was scored average for drive/ambition, self-confidence, emotional control, and mental toughness; and scored below average for leadership, conscientiousness, and trust.[102]

Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson said that Kennedy "had an alarming lack of self esteem... but there was an underlying fearsome strength, an assassin's eye and a hard-man interior".[103] After Liverpool manager Bob Paisley moved Kennedy into midfield, he said that "Ray Kennedy was born to play. A natural, great ability and an obvious Liverpool player who could be moulded. I knew he could play anywhere."[46] He showed minor signs of Parkinson's disease as early as 1970, such as fatigue after games and slowed movement in his right arm, though it was not until 1982 that it began to have a noticeable effect on his game.[104][105]

Later life

[edit]

Kennedy was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a specialist on 4 November 1984.[106] He permitted his image to be used to promote a public campaign to increase awareness of the disease.[107] His involvement in the Parkinson's Disease Society led to him meeting his childhood hero Muhammad Ali.[108][109] He was also invited to do some coaching at Sunderland in the 1986–87 season by manager Lawrie McMenemy, and worked as a part-time coach from February to April 1987. At this point, he was promoted to first-team coach.[107][110]

His wife, Jennifer, left him in October 1987 after he punched her in the face and kicked her down the stairs of the family home; this ended a difficult 15-year marriage blighted by frequent infidelity on his part.[111] They had two children: Cara (born July 1976) and Dale (born January 1981).[72] Former Liverpool teammate Ray Clemence recalled how Kennedy "worked hard and played hard".[112] Other teammates Steve Heighway and Phil Thompson noted that Kennedy was a "quiet man", though "women were always chasing after him" and "off the pitch he needed to be handled quite gently, and everything had to be organised just right otherwise there would be trouble".[112] Completing a bad end to 1987, his licence at the Melton Constable was revoked.[113] His prescribed L-DOPA medication also became less effective and he became increasingly isolated.[114] His condition improved when he began injections of apomorphine.[115] He was reliant on the Professional Footballers' Association to pay his medical expenses, and his divorce as well as business and tax problems wiped out his savings.[116] A testimonial match was held between Arsenal and Liverpool in April 1991.[117] A charity appeal was also set up to help pay his living costs.[118] In late 1992 he began suffering from extreme paranoia, mostly due to the side effects of his medication, but regained his mental faculties following a short stay in hospital.[119]

He published his autobiography Ray of Hope in 1993, co-authored by Dr. Andrew Lees, who at that time treated Kennedy for Parkinson's disease.[120] Later that year he sold his collection of medals and international caps to raise funds.[121] In 2002, he was reported as living alone in a bungalow in New Hartley.[122] In an interview two years later, he said that he suffered from loneliness and hallucinations due to his condition and the side effects of his medication.[123] Following the interview a Liverpool fan bought Kennedy a computer, which allowed him to make friends on football chat rooms.[124] Kennedy remained a favourite amongst Liverpool supporters decades after leaving the club, and was voted in at No. 25 on the 2013 poll '100 Players Who Shook The Kop'.[125] He died on 30 November 2021, at the age of 70.[126]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[127]
Club Season League FA Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Arsenal 1969–70 First Division 4 1 0 0 2 1 6 2
1970–71 First Division 41 19 9 2 13 5 63 26
1971–72 First Division 37 12 8 1 10 6 55 19
1972–73 First Division 34 9 8 2 1 0 43 11
1973–74 First Division 42 12 3 1 1 0 46 13
Total 158 53 28 6 27 12 213 71
Liverpool 1974–75 First Division 25 5 0 0 8 5 33 10
1975–76 First Division 30 6 2 0 11 4 43 10
1976–77 First Division 41 7 8 1 12 1 61 9
1977–78 First Division 41 4 1 0 19 3 61 7
1978–79 First Division 42 10 7 1 5 0 54 11
1979–80 First Division 40 9 8 0 8 0 56 9
1980–81 First Division 41 8 2 1 19 4 62 13
1981–82 First Division 15 2 0 0 8 1 23 3
Total 275 51 28 3 90 18 393 72
Swansea City 1981–82 First Division 17 2 0 0 0 0 18 2
1982–83 First Division 21 0 0 0 7 0 28 0
1983–84 Second Division 3 0 0 0 2 0 5 0
Total 42 2 0 0 9 0 51 2
Hartlepool United 1983–84 Fourth Division 23 3 0 0 1 0 24 3
Career total 498 109 56 9 127 30 681 148

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[128]
National team Year Apps Goals
England 1976 4 1
1977 7 2
1978 0 0
1979 1 0
1980 5 0
Total 17 3

Honours

[edit]

Arsenal[114]

Liverpool[114]

Swansea City[130]

Individual[131]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ray Kennedy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Raymond Kennedy (28 July 1951 – 30 November 2021) was an English professional footballer renowned for his versatility and success with and , where he transitioned from a prolific striker to a key , amassing a trove of major trophies including league titles, s, and European Cups. Born in , , to a coalminer father and housewife mother, Kennedy began his professional career as an apprentice at in 1968 after stints with Port Vale and New Hartley Juniors. He made his debut for the Gunners in September 1969 as a substitute in the against Glentoran and quickly established himself as a forward, scoring a vital goal in the 1969–70 Fairs Cup final first leg against . During his time at from 1968 to 1974, he played 212 matches and netted 71 goals, becoming a pivotal figure in the club's historic 1970–71 Double-winning season by clinching the First Division title with a header at Tottenham Hotspur and contributing to the victory. As 's top scorer with 19 goals in the 1971–72 campaign, Kennedy's physical presence and finishing ability defined the team's attacking prowess under manager . In July 1974, Kennedy transferred to for £200,000 on the day manager announced his retirement, marking a transformative phase in his career under . Initially deployed as a centre-forward, he scored 72 goals in 393 appearances over eight seasons, but Paisley's tactical repositioning of him to left midfield unlocked his full potential, turning him into one of the club's most reliable and creative players. With , Kennedy helped secure five First Division titles (1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82), a Cup in 1976, three European Cups (1977, 1978, 1981)—including a decisive semi-final goal against Bayern in 1981—and a in 1982. He missed just five league games across five seasons from 1976 to 1981, earning praise from teammates as Liverpool's greatest left winger for his passing, vision, and endurance. On the international stage, Kennedy earned 17 caps for between 1976 and 1980, scoring three goals during a period when the team struggled to qualify for major tournaments. After leaving Liverpool for Swansea City in 1982, followed by brief spells at United, Pezoporikos in , and non-league , Kennedy retired from playing. Diagnosed with in 1984 at age 33, he faced significant health challenges that ended his coaching aspirations and led to financial difficulties, prompting him to sell his medals and caps in 1993; he later became an advocate for Parkinson's UK and co-authored the Ray of Hope in 1993. Kennedy, who was married to Jennifer until 1987 and had three children, passed away in 2021 after a long battle with the illness, leaving a legacy as one of English football's most decorated and resilient figures.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Raymond Kennedy was born on 28 July 1951 in the pit village of , , , into a working-class mining family. He was the eldest of four children born to Martin Kennedy, a coalminer, and his wife Florence Veronica (née Armstrong), who managed the household. The family resided initially at 24 Milbourne Terrace, later moving to 55 Foremans Row when Ray was three years old, and then to Tillmouth Avenue around age eight. Growing up in post-war Seaton Delaval during the 1950s and 1960s, Kennedy experienced the socio-economic hardships typical of Northumberland's coal-dependent communities, where the industry—nationalized in 1947—faced mounting challenges from , cheaper imports, and early pit closures, leading to widespread and limited opportunities. His father's occupation as a underscored the precarious economic conditions, with families often relying on modest wages amid regional decline. Despite these constraints, the Kennedy household emphasized resilience and community ties, reflecting the close-knit dynamics of mining villages where mutual support was essential. Kennedy received his basic education at Primary School and later at Astley Community School, where he engaged in typical local activities beyond his emerging interest in sport, including participation in community life centered around the village's social clubs and neighborhood interactions. His family provided encouragement for his early sporting ambitions, albeit with caution due to financial limitations; for instance, his parents required persuasion from Port Vale legend Stan Matthews before agreeing to his schoolboy contract with the club. This support, despite scarce resources, laid the foundation for his transition into organized youth football.

Introduction to football and youth career

Ray Kennedy's introduction to organized football came during his mid-teen years in , where he played for his school team at Astley High School and represented South Northumberland Boys in regional youth competitions throughout the mid-1960s. His talent as a promising forward caught the attention of scouts early, leading to an opportunity with Port Vale, where he signed schoolboy forms in the summer of following a recommendation from local talent spotter Bill Emery. At Port Vale, under manager , Kennedy trained as an apprentice but was released after approximately ten months, deemed not ready for professional progression at the time. Following his release from Port Vale in early 1967, Kennedy returned to his hometown of and briefly worked as a sugar boiler in a local sweet factory while playing amateur football for New Hartley Juniors. During the 1967–68 season, he excelled with New Hartley, contributing to one of the club's most successful campaigns by scoring around 50 goals and helping secure multiple local trophies. This impressive form attracted 's interest; a scout attending a match to watch a teammate, Ian Watts, instead recommended Kennedy, leading to a in . Impressed by his physical presence and goal-scoring ability, Arsenal secured his services by paying New Hartley a nominal fee of ten guineas, and he signed as an apprentice in May 1968 at the age of 16. Kennedy's move to London marked a significant transition, as he left his family home—supported by his parents' encouragement for his sporting ambitions—and integrated into Arsenal's at . Turning professional in November 1968, he developed primarily as a centre-forward under the club's structured training regime, focusing on improving his strength, positioning, and finishing. His exposure came through regular appearances in Arsenal's during the 1968–69 season, where consistent performances in competitive matches against other clubs' seconds built his match fitness and confidence ahead of first-team opportunities. These reserve outings honed his skills, preparing him for his senior debut as a substitute in the Fairs Cup against Glentoran in September 1969.

Club career

Arsenal (1968–1974)

Ray Kennedy signed professional terms with Arsenal in November 1968 after joining as an apprentice from New Hartley Juniors earlier that year. Under manager , he transitioned from youth ranks to the first team during the 1969–70 season, making his senior debut as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Glentoran on 29 September 1969. His league debut followed on 18 October 1969, substituting in a 1–1 draw against at , and he scored his first goal for the club on 28 February 1970 in a 3–1 home win over the same opponents. By the end of that season, Kennedy had established himself as a promising centre-forward, contributing to Arsenal's first major trophy in 17 years. Kennedy's breakthrough came in the 1970–71 season, where he emerged as a prolific centre-forward and Arsenal's top scorer with 26 goals across all competitions. Forming a formidable striking partnership with John Radford, the duo combined for 47 goals, terrorizing defenses and providing the firepower central to Arsenal's historic Double of the First Division title and . Kennedy's goals included the decisive header from a Geordie Armstrong cross in the 89th minute of a 1–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at on 3 May 1971, clinching the league title on the final day with Arsenal level on points with United. In the FA Cup final against on 8 May 1971, Kennedy played the full 90 minutes plus extra time, causing ongoing problems for the opposing defense in Arsenal's 2–1 victory at , sealed by Charlie George's 111th-minute strike. Kennedy's contributions extended to Arsenal's 1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph, where his tactical importance as a target man was evident in key European ties. In the first leg of the final against on 22 April 1970, trailing 3–0 at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, Kennedy scored a late header to reduce the deficit to 3–1, providing a vital away and momentum. overturned the tie with a 3–0 win in the second leg at on 28 April 1970, securing the club's first European honor, with Kennedy's physical presence and aerial ability proving crucial in holding up play and linking with midfielders during the campaign's grueling knockout stages.

Liverpool (1974–1982)

Ray Kennedy joined Liverpool from Arsenal on July 12, 1974, in a club-record transfer fee of £200,000, signed by manager as a forward to bolster the team's attacking options. Initially deployed in a striking role alongside and , Kennedy faced challenges adapting to the high-pressure environment at , struggling to replicate his goalscoring form from Arsenal and appearing in only 22 league matches during his debut 1974–75 season. Under new manager , who succeeded Shankly in 1974, Kennedy was repositioned to a left-sided midfield role in the 1975–76 campaign, where his technical foundation from his Arsenal days—honed as a versatile forward—allowed him to excel in a deeper position, providing balance and creativity to Liverpool's midfield. Kennedy's evolution into a key transformed Liverpool's play, with his powerful runs, precise passing, and long-range shooting becoming hallmarks of the team's dominance. A standout moment came on February 24, 1979, when he scored a memorable volley against County at the , controlling a long pass from before unleashing an unstoppable strike past goalkeeper Colin Boulton; this goal was voted Match of the Day's Goal of the Season for 1978–79. His contributions extended to pivotal roles in Liverpool's domestic and European successes, including five First Division titles in 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, and 1981–82, where his composure under pressure helped secure narrow victories in title-deciding matches. In Europe, Kennedy started in all three European Cup finals during his tenure: the 1977 final, where Liverpool overcame 3–1 with his midfield presence anchoring the victory amid a hostile atmosphere; the 1978 triumph over Club Brugge (1–0); and the 1981 win against Real Madrid (1–0), highlighted by his earlier semi-final goal against Bayern that propelled Liverpool past the German champions 2–1 on aggregate in April 1981. Within Liverpool's midfield engine room, Kennedy formed a formidable partnership with and later after the latter's arrival in 1977, complementing Souness's aggressive tackling with his elegant distribution and Dalglish's clinical finishing to create fluid attacking transitions that defined the club's dynasty. Dalglish later praised Kennedy's unhurried style, describing him as a "stroller" who made the game appear effortless while dictating tempo. Over eight seasons, Kennedy made 393 appearances across all competitions, scoring 72 goals and establishing himself as a of Paisley's all-conquering side.

Later clubs (1982–1985)

After leaving Liverpool in January 1982, Kennedy joined Swansea City for a fee of £160,000 under manager , a former teammate from their Liverpool days. He made an immediate impact, contributing to the team's victory later that year against Cardiff City. In the 1982–83 First Division season, Kennedy featured in 25 league appearances as Swansea battled relegation, ultimately securing survival with a 15th-place finish despite a challenging campaign that saw them win only seven home games. By the summer of 1983, amid concerns over his fitness and form, Kennedy's contract with was terminated, leading to a move to Fourth Division side United in November. He played 23 league games for during the 1983–84 season, scoring three goals, but his role was limited as the club finished 18th and faced financial difficulties that nearly led to closure. In the summer of 1984, Kennedy ventured abroad for the first and only time in his career, signing as a with Cypriot club Pezoporikos . His stint there was brief, lasting part of the 1984–85 season, after which he returned to for a short spell with Northern League non-league club in early 1985, where he made just six appearances. These final moves reflected a sharp decline from his peak years, and Kennedy retired from professional football later that year at age 33, influenced by emerging health symptoms that curtailed his playing ability.

International career

Selection and debut for England

Kennedy earned his initial senior international call-up in March 1976 under England manager , rewarded for his strong performances in midfield for during the 1975-76 season. He made his debut on 24 March 1976 against in the at the in , starting as a central in a 2-1 victory. Revie, seeking to rebuild the squad after failing to qualify for the 1976 , prioritized players from top-performing clubs, positioning Kennedy in a competitive midfield alongside established figures like . Kennedy featured prominently in the remaining 1976 British Home Championship matches, starting against on 8 May, on 11 May, and on 15 May, as Revie tested his versatility in high-stakes domestic fixtures. His early inclusions extended to qualifiers for the 1978 tournament, including a start against on 30 March 1977 at , and friendlies such as the 0-0 draw with on 7 September 1977, where selection emphasized reliability and tactical fit amid Revie's experimental approach. Over the period from 1976 to 1980, Kennedy accumulated 17 caps, reflecting consistent selection under Revie and successor based on his club-level consistency and ability to adapt to international demands, though he faced stiff competition for midfield spots. He scored three goals in total.

Key appearances and goals

Kennedy earned his first senior cap for on 24 March 1976, scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 friendly victory over at the in . His international goals were limited to three, all scored during his time at , reflecting his transition from forward to and the competitive nature of the squad. Kennedy's first goal came on debut against , as noted. His next two international goals came in 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against . On 30 March 1977, he netted England's third goal in a 5-0 home win at , with a right-footed shot in the 65th minute. On 12 October 1977, he scored the opening goal in a 2-0 away victory at the Stade Municipal in , firing a low shot from 15 yards in the 30th minute after a knockdown by , though England ultimately failed to qualify for the tournament after drawing with . These contributions highlighted his growing influence in qualifying campaigns, where his composure and positioning were key in breaking down defensive opponents. Despite the scarcity of goals, his overall impact was effective in midfield, often providing stability and forward surges. He frequently featured as a starter or substitute, contributing to England's build-up play in competitive fixtures. In preparations for the 1980 , Kennedy played a supporting role in qualifying matches, including a 4-3 victory over on 20 September 1978 in , where he started in midfield during a high-scoring affair that boosted morale ahead of the finals. qualified for the tournament, and Kennedy appeared in both group stage matches: as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against on 12 June 1980 in and starting in the 0-1 loss to on 15 June 1980 in , marking his final cap at age 28. By this point, his form had begun to wane amid personal and club pressures at , limiting further opportunities under . Throughout his 17 caps, Kennedy's limited but effective contributions—totaling three goals and several key assists in qualifiers—demonstrated his versatility, often deployed in central or left midfield to link defense and attack. His international career, spanning 1976 to 1980, captured a transitional era for , where his experience from domestic successes added reliability without dominating the spotlight.

Playing style and reputation

Positional versatility and adaptation

Ray Kennedy established himself at as a robust centre-forward, leveraging his powerful physique to dominate defences and his precise finishing to become a prolific scorer. Blessed with a strong left foot and excellent touch, he netted 71 goals across 212 appearances, including a standout 26 goals during the 1970-71 Double-winning season, where his physical presence was instrumental in key victories such as heading the winner at to clinch the league title. Upon transferring to in 1974 for a club-record £200,000, Kennedy initially continued as a striker but struggled for consistency, managing only 10 goals in his debut 1974-75 amid fierce for forward positions, including the emergence of young talents like , who debuted during the same injury-hit period. Manager , recognizing Kennedy's prior experience in deeper roles from before , repositioned him to left midfield during an emergency deployment in a mid-1975 league match against , a shift prompted by an injury crisis to players like Peter Cormack. This adaptation to central or left midfield proved transformative, with Kennedy scoring 72 goals in 393 appearances and immediately contributing to the 1975-76 First Division title and UEFA Cup triumph. Kennedy's versatility shone in hybrid roles within Liverpool's fluid tactical system, particularly in European competitions, where he interchanged positions seamlessly to exploit spaces. For instance, in the 1981 European Cup semi-final against Bayern Munich, he made late runs from midfield to score a crucial away goal, helping secure progression to the final. This evolution from a traditional goal-poacher reliant on physicality to a creative with enhanced vision and passing extended his peak performance, enabling him to win five league titles and three European Cups before departing for in 1982 at age 30.

Technical attributes and influence on teams

Ray Kennedy was renowned for his left-footed precision in passing and crossing, which became a cornerstone of Liverpool's attacking play during the late 1970s. His ability to deliver accurate, weighted balls from the left midfield position frequently created scoring opportunities for forwards like , enhancing the synergy between midfield and attack in Bob Paisley's system. Teammate highlighted Kennedy's "sweet left foot" and "astute vision and distribution," noting how these traits allowed him to thread passes through tight defenses with remarkable control. Kennedy's composure under pressure was equally vital, enabling him to maintain possession and dictate tempo in intense matches. This was exemplified in the 1978 European Cup semi-final second leg against at , where he delivered an outstanding performance, scoring the opener and providing two assists in a 3-0 victory that secured Liverpool's progression. His unhurried calmness, often described as "smooth as silk," allowed him to glide through challenges without losing focus, as praised by observers who noted his effortless control in high-stakes European ties. In midfield, Kennedy's defensive contributions provided balance to Liverpool's fluid style, with strong tackling and relentless work rate that disrupted opponents while supporting the forward line. Positioned deeper after his transition from striker, he used tactical intelligence to intercept plays and cover ground efficiently, complementing the team's high-pressing approach without compromising creativity. His hard-tackling presence, combined with phenomenal movement, ensured defensive solidity, as evidenced by his role in Liverpool's multiple title-winning campaigns where he missed few games due to his durability. Kennedy earned a reputation as an underrated team player whose selflessness elevated the collective performance of his squads at both and . Rather than seeking the spotlight, he prioritized team harmony, contributing to midfield partnerships that drove sustained success, including five league titles and three European Cups with the Reds. His subtle influence—through precise distribution and quiet leadership—was acknowledged by peers like Case, who placed him "in a different league" tactically, underscoring how Kennedy's skills amplified the strengths of teammates without individual fanfare.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from professional playing in 1985, Ray Kennedy transitioned into coaching with a role at Sunderland AFC, near his hometown in Northumberland. In February 1987, Kennedy was appointed as a part-time youth coach at the club by manager Lawrie McMenemy, where he focused on developing young players through training and skill-building sessions. His responsibilities expanded in April 1987, when he became a full-time coach. He continued in this capacity after Denis Smith replaced McMenemy as manager in June, until October 1987, as the progressing symptoms of his Parkinson's disease—diagnosed in late 1984—presented mounting challenges that impacted his ability to fulfill the demands of the position. After departing , Kennedy did not pursue further formal coaching roles, though he remained connected to football through occasional informal guidance to aspiring local players in the area.

Business ventures and financial challenges

Following his retirement from professional football in 1985, Ray Kennedy sought to establish a foothold in by taking over the of the Melton pub in Seaton Sluice, near his hometown, in the mid-1980s. This venture represented a common path for former players transitioning out of the sport amid limited alternative career options. However, the struggled amid economic pressures and Kennedy's emerging issues, with him losing the licence in 1987 and contributing to his mounting personal debts. To address these financial strains, Kennedy auctioned his collection of medals, caps, and memorabilia at in October 1993, with the items—including his 1981 European Cup winner's medal from Liverpool's victory over Real Madrid—fetching a total of £101,200. The sale provided crucial relief but underscored the extent of his economic hardship, as prized symbols of his illustrious career were relinquished to cover ongoing expenses. These challenges were intensified by his diagnosis in 1984, which curtailed potential employment prospects and amplified reliance on external aid. In 1993, he co-authored the autobiography Ray of Hope with Dr. Andrew Lees, which detailed his career and battle with the illness. Kennedy's situation highlighted the precarious finances many ex-players navigated in the pre-Bosman era, before the 1995 ruling revolutionized player mobility and earnings potential. With modest wages—often under £1,000 weekly even for stars—and brief career durations averaging around 10 years, numerous retirees faced or without robust pensions or financial education. He received vital support from the , which covered medical costs, and from former teammates, including a 1991 benefit match at between and that raised funds through ticket sales and donations organized by players from both clubs.

Personal life and health

Marriage, family, and relationships

Ray Kennedy married Jennifer Lockey in 1971, early in his professional career with . Their marriage lasted 15 years, marked by the demands of his rising football profile, but ended in divorce in 1987 following an incident of . The couple had two children: daughter Cara, born in 1976, and son Dale, born in 1981. Kennedy also had a third child, daughter Alannah (born c. 1994), from a later relationship. As Kennedy's career progressed, the family relocated from the London area to in 1974 after his transfer to , adapting to life in a new region while he balanced demanding training and match schedules. This move, along with frequent time away for games and tours, strained family stability, as the unpredictable nature of professional football often kept him separated from home. Following the , Kennedy maintained involvement in his children's lives, with Cara and Dale living nearby in by the early 2000s, reflecting ongoing co-parenting arrangements despite the separation. Public insights into their private dynamics remain limited, as Kennedy kept out of , though the dissolution of his marriage coincided with broader personal and financial stresses that impacted home life.

Diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease

Kennedy first experienced unequivocal symptoms of in 1982, during his tenure with Swansea City, manifesting as intermittent subtle disturbances of movement and posture in his right arm and leg, along with mild facial immobility. Retrospective analysis by neurologists indicated that the disease had likely begun at least a decade earlier, during the height of his professional playing career. These early signs, including excessive fatigue and difficulties with fine motor tasks such as buttoning his shirt, had quietly affected his performance on the pitch, though he was unaware of the underlying cause at the time. An official diagnosis was confirmed in November 1984, when Kennedy was 33 years old, shortly after his retirement from professional football. The progression of Parkinson's led to increasingly severe motor impairments, including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which rendered his playing career untenable by 1983 and eventually curtailed his brief forays into . Over the ensuing years, the disease advanced to affect balance, speech, and daily functions, contributing to periods of isolation as Kennedy grappled with its unrelenting impact. His family provided essential emotional support in coping with these challenges. Management of Kennedy's condition involved a regimen of levodopa-based medications to alleviate motor symptoms, though these often produced side effects such as and fluctuations in efficacy. Physiotherapy played a key role in maintaining mobility and strength, helping to mitigate some of the physical decline. In his later years, as the disease intensified, he became reliant on professional carers for assistance with routine activities. Kennedy emerged as a dedicated for Parkinson's awareness, serving as an ambassador for the Society (now Parkinson's UK) and co-authoring the 1993 book Ray of Hope with neurologist Andrew Lees to share his experiences and educate the public. He publicly discussed the potential connections between repetitive head impacts from football headers and neurodegenerative conditions like , contributing to broader conversations on player health; these efforts continued to influence discussions on links to (CTE) in the years following his diagnosis.

Death and legacy

Final years and passing

In his later years, Ray Kennedy's had advanced significantly, requiring substantial daily assistance. He relied on adaptations to his home in New Hartley, Northumberland, including modifications funded and organized by former teammate to accommodate his needs. Financial support from the (PFA) helped cover medical and living expenses. Kennedy died on 30 November 2021 at his home in New Hartley, aged 70, following a 37-year struggle with since his diagnosis in 1984. The disease's complications, which had progressively worsened his condition, marked the end of a life defined by both sporting triumphs and personal adversity. A private funeral service took place on 21 December 2021 at Crematorium, limited to family members and a small group of close former teammates, including Liverpool legends , , and . The gathering was followed by a low-key celebration of his life at New Hartley Social Club in his hometown.

Tributes and lasting impact

Following Ray Kennedy's death on November 30, 2021, at the age of 70 after a 37-year battle with , issued a statement mourning "legendary former player Ray Kennedy," expressing that "the thoughts of everybody at are with Ray’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time" and concluding with "RIP Ray Kennedy, 1951-2021." similarly paid , stating ", Ray: a true legend of the game," and noting that "everyone at the club is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ray Kennedy." These statements underscored his pivotal role in both clubs' histories, with highlighting his 393 appearances and recalling his contributions to their 1971 Double-winning side. Tributes from former colleagues emphasized Kennedy's understated excellence, echoing sentiments from his mentor , who once described him as "one of ’s greatest players and probably the most underrated," a view that reflected Kennedy's quiet resilience amid physical challenges during his career. Players like , a former teammate, hailed him as a "proper legend" and a "magnificent" figure whose presence was a "going-away present" from outgoing manager to Paisley. , another key member of 's 1970s and 1980s squads, later reflected on the era's camaraderie in contexts that included Kennedy's contributions, though specific posthumous comments focused on the team's collective spirit under Paisley. Media coverage captured widespread admiration for Kennedy's humility and bridging legacy between and , where he secured major honors with both clubs, including the 1971 Double at and three European Cups at . The Guardian's obituary portrayed him as a "humble, understated genius," often overlooked despite his technical prowess and 17 caps, noting how he "quietly noticed physical difficulties" without complaint. reports highlighted fan devotion, including the 2008 Ray of Hope Appeal that raised tens of thousands of pounds from and supporters to aid his care, with Kennedy himself describing the fans as "very special" for their "tremendous" generosity and emotional support. Kennedy's enduring influence manifested in posthumous memorials and discussions of his role as a link between two of English football's most successful eras, with staging a pre-match before their December 2021 game against following fan calls for recognition. In his home village of , , community talks emerged in 2022 about creating a lasting , potentially unveiled at a event to honor his local roots. His charitable legacy centered on Parkinson's awareness, inspiring the annual Ray Kennedy Weekend, an international football tournament for people with the disease that promotes exercise to slow symptom progression; the 2024 edition in drew teams from across , while the 2025 event in featured simultaneous running and competitions to foster and highlight the condition's impacts. By 2025, reflections on Kennedy's story have amplified broader discussions of health risks in football, including neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, with events like the Ray Kennedy underscoring how physical demands may contribute to such conditions and advocating for player welfare.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Ray Kennedy's club career encompassed stints at , , Swansea City, and Hartlepool United, where he accumulated 498 league appearances and 109 goals across the divisions. His statistics reflect transitions from a prolific forward at Arsenal to a versatile at , with diminishing returns in later years at lower-tier clubs. All figures include appearances as both starter and substitute, consistent with the era's limited substitution rules prior to 1965 and gradual expansion thereafter. Brief spells at Pezoporikos (1984–85) and (1985) yielded no recorded competitive appearances or goals.

Arsenal (1968–1974)

Kennedy debuted for in 1969 and became a key attacker during their early successes. In league play, he made 158 appearances and scored 53 goals. Across all competitions, including the , League Cup, and European Fairs Cup, he featured in 212 matches, netting 71 goals.
SeasonLeague Apps/GoalsAll Comps Apps/Goals
1969/704/16/2
1970/7141/1958/25
1971/7237/1450/17
1972/7334/1042/11
1973/7442/956/16
Total158/53212/71

Liverpool (1974–1982)

Joining Liverpool in 1974 for a then-club record fee, Kennedy adapted to midfield and contributed to multiple trophy wins. He appeared 275 times in league matches, scoring 51 goals. In all competitions, encompassing the FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup, UEFA Cup, and Charity Shield, his totals reached 393 appearances and 72 goals.
SeasonLeague Apps/GoalsFA Cup Apps/GoalsLeague Cup Apps/GoalsEurope Apps/GoalsTotal Apps/Goals
1974/7525/50/04/34/233/10
1975/7630/62/01/010/443/10
1976/7741/78/12/09/161/9
1977/7841/41/09/19/261/7
1978/7942/107/11/04/054/11
1979/8040/98/06/01/056/9
1980/8141/82/19/29/262/13
1981/8215/20/03/04/123/3
Total275/5128/335/651/12393/72

Swansea City (1982–1983)

Kennedy moved to in January 1982 amid the club's promotion push. In league fixtures, he recorded 41 appearances and 2 goals. Overall, including the European Cup Winners' Cup (7 appearances, 0 goals), he played 58 games and scored 2 goals.
SeasonLeague Apps/GoalsEurope Apps/GoalsTotal Apps/Goals
1981/8217/20/017/2
1982/8321/07/034/0
1983/843/00/07/0
Total41/27/058/2

Hartlepool United (1983–1984)

In his final professional season at fourth-tier , Kennedy made 23 league appearances, scoring 3 goals, with a total of 23 games and 3 goals across all competitions. Throughout his career, Kennedy received two red cards in league play, both during his tenure, reflecting the physicality of 1970s football. His peak scoring seasons at (25 goals in 1970/71) and (13 goals in 1980/81) underscored his adaptability and impact in major competitions.

International statistics

Ray Kennedy represented 17 times between 1976 and 1980, scoring three goals while primarily operating as a . His international career included appearances across various competitions, with three coming as a substitute. Kennedy featured in the 1980 European Championship finals but did not participate in any tournaments. The following table details his full international record:
DateOpponentResultVenuePositionGoals
24 March 19761–2 W (A)1
8 May 19760–1 WNinian Park (A)0
11 May 19764–0 W (H)0
15 May 19762–1 L (A)0
30 March 19775–0 W (H)1
31 May 19770–1 L (H)0
4 June 19771–2 L (H)0
8 June 19770–0 DMaracanã (A)0
12 June 19771–1 DEstadio Monumental (A)0
7 September 19770–0 D (H)0
12 October 19770–2 WStade Municipal (A)1
22 November 19792–0 W (H)0
26 March 19802–0 L (A)0
13 May 19803–1 W (H)0
17 May 19804–1 L (A)0
12 June 19801–1 D (N)Forward0
15 June 19801–0 L (A)0
Kennedy's appearances broke down by competition as follows: 6 in friendlies (1 goal), 6 in the (0 goals), 2 in qualifiers (2 goals), 1 in qualifiers (0 goals), and 2 in the finals (0 goals). His three international goals came against on 24 March 1976 in a 2–1 friendly victory, on 30 March 1977 during a 5–0 qualifier win, and again on 12 October 1977 in a 2–0 qualifier triumph.

Honours

Arsenal

Ray Kennedy played a pivotal role in Arsenal's successful early 1970s campaigns, contributing to three major honours. He helped secure the in the 1969–70 season, scoring a crucial late goal in the first leg of the final against . In the following 1970–71 season, Kennedy was instrumental in 's historic league and double, scoring the title-clinching goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the final league match and featuring in the victory over .

Liverpool

Kennedy's eight-year stint at Liverpool from 1974 to 1982 marked one of the most decorated periods in the club's history, during which he won 11 major trophies as a key . The team claimed the title five times under his tenure: in 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, and 1981–82. also triumphed in the European Cup on three occasions—1976–77, 1977–78, and 1980–81—with Kennedy starting in all three finals (1977, 1978, 1981) and providing crucial midfield control. Additionally, they lifted the in 1975–76, the Football League Cup in 1980–81, and the in 1977.

Swansea City

After joining Swansea City in January 1982, Kennedy added two winners' medals to his collection in his brief time there. He featured in the 1981–82 final second leg, helping defeat City 2–1 on aggregate to claim the trophy. The following season, Kennedy started in the 1982–83 final as beat 2–0.

Individual recognitions

One of Ray Kennedy's most celebrated individual moments came in the 1978–79 season when he scored a memorable volley against Derby County on 24 February 1979, which was voted the Goal of the Season. The goal, a deft control and finish from a long pass by , exemplified Kennedy's technical skill and composure as a . Kennedy received a nomination for the , finishing in a tie for 26th place, recognizing his contributions to Liverpool's successful campaign that year, though he did not achieve a higher placing in subsequent years. While he earned no major international individual accolades beyond his 17 caps, retrospectives have frequently praised his positional versatility—from striker at to a deep-lying at —highlighting his intelligence and all-round ability as key to his success across roles. Posthumously, following his death in 2021, Kennedy's legacy has been affirmed through various media rankings and tributes that position him among 's all-time greats from the era. In FC's 2013 fan poll "100 Players Who Shook the Kop," he ranked 25th, reflecting enduring supporter appreciation for his role in the club's dominant decade. More recent assessments, such as FourFourTwo's 2022 ranking of the 50 best players ever, placed him at 30th, while GiveMeSport's list of the 25 greatest in club history ranked him 18th in 2023, underscoring his impact in polls conducted in the years after his passing. Former manager , who repurposed Kennedy as a , described him as "one of 's greatest players and probably the most underrated," a sentiment echoed in contemporary analyses of his career.

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  45. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10305279/Arsenal-pay-tribute-Ray-Kennedy-Wednesdays-game-against-West-Ham-fans-backlash.html
  46. https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/people/memory-of-footballer-ray-kennedy-to-live-on-in-his-home-village-3725308
  47. https://parkinsonseurope.org/parkinsonslife/ray-kennedy-weekend-2024-european-parkinsons-football-tournament-heads-to-norway/
  48. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOOGr_mDJZs/
  49. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2n0n8mdgeo
  50. https://www.englandstats.com/matches.php?mid=508
  51. https://www.englandstats.com/matches.php?mid=516
  52. https://www.arsenalarsenal.co.uk/Kennedy.htm
  53. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ray-kennedy/erfolge/spieler/176094
  54. https://www.fchd.info/cups/welshcup1981-82.htm
  55. https://www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk/welshcup_final_detail.php?id=95
  56. https://www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk/welshcup_final_detail.php?id=96
  57. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/liverpool-fc/ray-kennedy-9870/biography-of-his-football-career-at-liverpool-fc_a11724/
  58. https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy77.html
  59. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/139898-100pwstk-the-full-list-so-far
  60. https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-the-50-best-liverpool-players-ever
  61. https://www.givemesport.com/liverpool-greatest-players/
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