Stuart Rimmer
Encyclopedia
Stuart Rimmer is an English
former footballer who is Chester City
's record goalscorer. He scored 134 league
goals in two spells for Chester, and also represented seven other clubs during his professional career.
on May 1, 1982, three days before helping the Toffees beat Leeds United. His reputation was developed further by being included in the England Youth side for a summer tournament in 1982 in Norway
, where he featured in three matches.
He was to make just one more appearance for Everton, in a 3–0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers
on December 27, 1983 but with his first team chances not increasing he asked for his name to be circulated to other clubs. This prompted a loan move to Chester City
, who were struggling at the foot of Football League Division Four when he joined them in January 1985 under new manager Mick Speight
.
in a 5–1 win on January 26, 1985. By the end of the season Rimmer had comfortably had finished as the club's top scorer with 14 goals and helped City to mid–table safety. Rimmer had by now joined Chester permanently for a nominal sum made available by the sale of Peter Zelem
to Wolves for £12,500.
The following season began in explosive fashion, with Rimmer scoring a staggering 21 times in the first 23 league and cup games as Chester shot to the top of Division Four. This spell included four goals at Preston North End
on his 21st birthday in a 6–3 win. But tragedy was to strike the following month when scoring against Orient
, as he collided with goalkeeper Peter Wells and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Chester soldiered on to win promotion as runners–up in his absence, although they were to struggle to match their early season form and finished 18 points adrift of champions Swindon Town
.
Rimmer finally returned to action as a late substitute against Doncaster Rovers on October 4, 1986. He scored two penalties later in the month but it wasn't until the following February that he scored again from open play. He ended the season with 13 goals to his name and was back to his prolific best in 1987–88
, prompting the return of scouts from leading clubs to Sealand Road
. He had struck 24 times in the league (27 in total) by the time top-flight side Watford
signed him for £210,000 (with half of the fee going to Everton
) early in March 1988. Rimmer's final goals for Chester had come in a dramatic 3–1 win over Gillingham
on March 2, 1988, when he scored three times in the last 10 minutes to turn the match on its head.
it was clearly going to be an uphill struggle for Rimmer and Watford, who were comfortably relegated.
The following season saw Rimmer lead a nomadic existence, as he moved on from Watford after only a couple more appearances for £200,000 to Notts County in Division Three. He was shortly off again, following manager John Barnwell to Walsall
, who were playing in Division Two in another five–figure transfer. Rimmer made his debut in a 7–0 home thrashing by Chelsea
but a week later scored a hat-trick in a shock 3-0 win at Sunderland. Sadly relegation was already looming for the Saddlers, with a similar fate striking the next season despite Rimmer again finishing as the club's top scorer. He began the following season by scoring Walsall's first goal at their new Bescot Stadium
.
A brief spell with Barnsley
in the closing stages of 1990–91
was largely unproductive, leading to Rimmer making a shock but welcome return to Chester
in August 1991.
), made his return for Chester in a 2–0 home win over Fulham
on August 17, 1991, with his first goal coming at Wigan Athletic the following week. He scored 15 goals during the season as Chester bravely avoided relegation, with his tally rising to 20 the following campaign when Chester finished bottom of Division Two. This season saw him break the Chester City
Football League goalscoring record previously held by Gary Talbot
, with his 84th such strike coming in a 2-1 home defeat to Mansfield Town
.
The 1993–94 season
ended in promotion for Chester as runners–up in Division Three but produced a mere eight goals for Rimmer as he played second fiddle to loan man Graham Lancashire
in the closing stages of the campaign. The following season was even worse, as Chester were again relegated and Rimmer struggled to command a regular place under Mike Pejic
and spent time on loan with Rochdale and Preston North End. But Pejic's departure in January 1995 and the appointment of new boss Derek Mann
led to Rimmer becoming involved in first–team duties again. He ended the season with just two goals to his name.
The final three seasons of Rimmer's league career (1995–98) were all spent with Chester in Division Three, scoring 13, four and eight league goals respectively in the three campaigns. His final game for the club appropriately saw him have the final word, netting a late equaliser in a 1–1 home draw with Scarborough
on May 2, 1998. Despite Rimmer scoring in his last three home games for the club, manager Kevin Ratcliffe
opted not to renew his Chester contract.
Rimmer's departure brought to an end his long–running partnership with fellow forward Gary Bennett
, who he first played up front with at Chester in 1985, with the pair enjoying three separate spells as team–mates at the club.
.
He has received a warm welcome on his occasional returns to the club to watch a game and when he was involved in the re–naming ceremony for the Harry McNally Terrace in tribute to his former manager.
In March 2007, Rimmer was guest of honour at the Bescot Stadium
as Walsall
beat Chester
1–0.
Chester City
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
former footballer who is Chester City
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
's record goalscorer. He scored 134 league
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
goals in two spells for Chester, and also represented seven other clubs during his professional career.
The early years
Rimmer came through the ranks at Everton but found competition for places incredibly hard. He made his debut as a 17-year old in a 3–1 win at Swansea CitySwansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
on May 1, 1982, three days before helping the Toffees beat Leeds United. His reputation was developed further by being included in the England Youth side for a summer tournament in 1982 in Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, where he featured in three matches.
He was to make just one more appearance for Everton, in a 3–0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
on December 27, 1983 but with his first team chances not increasing he asked for his name to be circulated to other clubs. This prompted a loan move to Chester City
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
, who were struggling at the foot of Football League Division Four when he joined them in January 1985 under new manager Mick Speight
Mick Speight
Mike Speight is a former English footballer who had a long spell with Sheffield United and later had a five–month caretaker manager stint at Chester City in 1984–85.-Playing career:...
.
The First Chester Spell
There was to be a dramatic start to Rimmer's career with Chester, as he struck a hat–trick against Southend UnitedSouthend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
in a 5–1 win on January 26, 1985. By the end of the season Rimmer had comfortably had finished as the club's top scorer with 14 goals and helped City to mid–table safety. Rimmer had by now joined Chester permanently for a nominal sum made available by the sale of Peter Zelem
Peter Zelem
Peter Zelem is a former English professional footballer who played as a defender. He played in The Football League for four clubs during the 1980s.-Playing career:...
to Wolves for £12,500.
The following season began in explosive fashion, with Rimmer scoring a staggering 21 times in the first 23 league and cup games as Chester shot to the top of Division Four. This spell included four goals at Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
on his 21st birthday in a 6–3 win. But tragedy was to strike the following month when scoring against Orient
Leyton Orient F.C.
Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63...
, as he collided with goalkeeper Peter Wells and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Chester soldiered on to win promotion as runners–up in his absence, although they were to struggle to match their early season form and finished 18 points adrift of champions Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
.
Rimmer finally returned to action as a late substitute against Doncaster Rovers on October 4, 1986. He scored two penalties later in the month but it wasn't until the following February that he scored again from open play. He ended the season with 13 goals to his name and was back to his prolific best in 1987–88
1987-88 in English football
The 1987–88 season was the 120th season of competitive football in England.- First Division :Liverpool won the league title with a comfortable nine-point margin and just two defeats all season....
, prompting the return of scouts from leading clubs to Sealand Road
Sealand Road
Sealand Road was the home stadium of Chester City Football Club from 1906 until 1990. Although officially known simply as The Stadium, it was more commonly referred to as Sealand Road...
. He had struck 24 times in the league (27 in total) by the time top-flight side Watford
Watford F.C.
Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade...
signed him for £210,000 (with half of the fee going to Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
) early in March 1988. Rimmer's final goals for Chester had come in a dramatic 3–1 win over Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
on March 2, 1988, when he scored three times in the last 10 minutes to turn the match on its head.
The Middle Years
Rimmer arrived at Watford in March 1988 with the Hornets staring relegation from Division One in the face. Despite scoring on his debut in a 1–1 draw with fellow strugglers ChelseaChelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
it was clearly going to be an uphill struggle for Rimmer and Watford, who were comfortably relegated.
The following season saw Rimmer lead a nomadic existence, as he moved on from Watford after only a couple more appearances for £200,000 to Notts County in Division Three. He was shortly off again, following manager John Barnwell to Walsall
Walsall F.C.
Walsall Football Club are an English association football club based in Walsall, West Midlands. They currently play in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second...
, who were playing in Division Two in another five–figure transfer. Rimmer made his debut in a 7–0 home thrashing by Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
but a week later scored a hat-trick in a shock 3-0 win at Sunderland. Sadly relegation was already looming for the Saddlers, with a similar fate striking the next season despite Rimmer again finishing as the club's top scorer. He began the following season by scoring Walsall's first goal at their new Bescot Stadium
Bescot Stadium
Bescot Stadium, also known as the Banks's Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is the home ground of Walsall Football Club. It was built in 1989-90 by GMI Construction with a reported build cost of £4.5m...
.
A brief spell with Barnsley
Barnsley F.C.
Barnsley Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Tykes, they were founded in 1887 under the name Barnsley St. Peter's...
in the closing stages of 1990–91
1990-91 in English football
The 1990–91 season was the 111th season of competitive football in England.- First Division :Arsenal won the league. Runners-up spot was achieved by Liverpool, who had led the table for much of the first half of the season but had been shell-shocked in February by the sudden resignation of manager...
was largely unproductive, leading to Rimmer making a shock but welcome return to Chester
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
in August 1991.
Back in Town
Rimmer, who had become Chester's record signing at £94,000 (since broken by Gregg BlundellGregg Blundell
Gregg Steven Blundell is a former English professional footballer who played as a striker. He is now a physiotherapist for Tranmere Rovers...
), made his return for Chester in a 2–0 home win over Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
on August 17, 1991, with his first goal coming at Wigan Athletic the following week. He scored 15 goals during the season as Chester bravely avoided relegation, with his tally rising to 20 the following campaign when Chester finished bottom of Division Two. This season saw him break the Chester City
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
Football League goalscoring record previously held by Gary Talbot
Gary Talbot
Gary Talbot was a professional footballer in the 1960s with Chester, where he set a record as the second highest Football League goalscorer, and Crewe Alexandra...
, with his 84th such strike coming in a 2-1 home defeat to Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
.
The 1993–94 season
1993-94 in English football
The 1993-1994 season was the 114th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:From the start of this season, the FA Premier League would be sponsored by Carling Breweries - an association which would last for eight years...
ended in promotion for Chester as runners–up in Division Three but produced a mere eight goals for Rimmer as he played second fiddle to loan man Graham Lancashire
Graham Lancashire
Graham Lancashire was a former professional footballer who played as a striker. He spent most of his career in the north-west of England.-Playing career:...
in the closing stages of the campaign. The following season was even worse, as Chester were again relegated and Rimmer struggled to command a regular place under Mike Pejic
Mike Pejic
Mike Pejic , is a retired English-Serbian footballer. His father was Serbian and his mother was English.-Career:...
and spent time on loan with Rochdale and Preston North End. But Pejic's departure in January 1995 and the appointment of new boss Derek Mann
Derek Mann
Derek Mann was an association football coach, player and manager.-Career:As a player, Mann was an apprentice with Shrewsbury Town. However, injury prevented him from progressing to first-team. He later joined the backroom staff at Shrewsbury, as well as Watford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and...
led to Rimmer becoming involved in first–team duties again. He ended the season with just two goals to his name.
The final three seasons of Rimmer's league career (1995–98) were all spent with Chester in Division Three, scoring 13, four and eight league goals respectively in the three campaigns. His final game for the club appropriately saw him have the final word, netting a late equaliser in a 1–1 home draw with Scarborough
Scarborough F.C.
Scarborough Football Club was an English football club based in the seaside resort of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. They were one of the oldest football clubs in England, formed in 1879, before they were wound up on 20 June 2007, with debts of £2.5 million.In the 2006–07 season...
on May 2, 1998. Despite Rimmer scoring in his last three home games for the club, manager Kevin Ratcliffe
Kevin Ratcliffe
Kevin Ratcliffe is a former Welsh footballer who spent most of his career playing for Everton. He was born in Mancot, near Queensferry in North Wales.-Club career:...
opted not to renew his Chester contract.
Rimmer's departure brought to an end his long–running partnership with fellow forward Gary Bennett
Gary Bennett (footballer born 1962)
Gary Bennett was a professional footballer in the 1980s and 1990s. He played for six different clubs in the Football League, with the majority of appearances being made for Chester City and Wrexham....
, who he first played up front with at Chester in 1985, with the pair enjoying three separate spells as team–mates at the club.
Life After Football
After leaving Chester, Rimmer left professional football. He joined non–league side MarineMarine F.C.
Marine Football Club is an English football club in Crosby, Merseyside. The club, which was founded in 1894, is a member of both the Liverpool County and Lancashire County Football Associations, and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.Marine is notable for having the...
.
He has received a warm welcome on his occasional returns to the club to watch a game and when he was involved in the re–naming ceremony for the Harry McNally Terrace in tribute to his former manager.
In March 2007, Rimmer was guest of honour at the Bescot Stadium
Bescot Stadium
Bescot Stadium, also known as the Banks's Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is the home ground of Walsall Football Club. It was built in 1989-90 by GMI Construction with a reported build cost of £4.5m...
as Walsall
Walsall F.C.
Walsall Football Club are an English association football club based in Walsall, West Midlands. They currently play in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second...
beat Chester
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
1–0.
Honours
Everton- FA Youth CupFA Youth Cup Final SquadsSquads for the finals of the FA Youth Cup.Note: 1–11 line-ups refer to the first leg. Any players brought in for the second leg are listed among the substitutes.-1999–2000: Arsenal vs Coventry City :...
runners-up: 1981–821981-82 in English footballThe 1981–82 season was the 102nd season of competitive football in England.It was also the first season that the Three points for a win system was introduced.- First Division :Three points for a win was introduced for the first time in England...
Chester City
- Club record Football League goalscorer (also fifth most league appearances and the most by a forward)
- Football League Division Four runners-up: 1985–861985-86 in English footballThe 1985–86 season was the 106th season of competitive football in England.- First Division :The championship crown went to Liverpool for the 16th time in their history at the end of their first season under the management of Kenny Dalglish, but they had to fight off some very stiff competition to...
- Football League Division Three runners-up: 1993–941993-94 in English footballThe 1993-1994 season was the 114th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:From the start of this season, the FA Premier League would be sponsored by Carling Breweries - an association which would last for eight years...