RAY KENNEDY
"Big and heavy, but good on the ball...."; "Extremely powerful performer....";
"A key midfield man of great strength and durability....". The pundits' reviews may be differently worded, but the sentiments are identical. Ray Kennedy's place in the footballing Hall of Fame is founded on a pedestal of gilded iron.
Hailing from the North East, Kennedy began his professional career with Arsenal, with whom, he signed as an apprentice in 1968. Success arrived early at his door, with League Championship and F.A. Cup medals, as part of the double-winning side of 1970-71.
In 1974, Kennedy moved to Anfield as Bill Shankly's final signing, and with a reputation as a striker. It was as an attack-minded left-side midfielder however, that he became an ever-present in the phenomenally successful "Reds" side of the mid 70's and early 80's, scoring 72 goals in almost 400 appearances. He also made 17 International appearances, scoring on his debut against Wales and twice more in games against Luxembourg.
In 1982, Kennedy moved to Swansea City, winning two Welsh Cup medals in 1982 and 1983, and then ended his playing career with Hartlepool, whom he served between 1983-85. Finally there followed a brief spell with Sunderland as First Team coach, before retiral from the game.
In recent years Kennedy's face and name have become synonymous with the fight against Parkinson's Disease, to which he himself has tragically fallen victim.
Ray of Hope: The Ray Kennedy Story by Dr. Andrew Lees and Ray Kennedy has just been published by Pelham Books
The following lots were awarded to
RAY KENNEDY
A silver European Fairs Cup replica miniature trophy, inscribed Coupe d'europe des Foires, Trophee Noel Beard, Vainqueur 1970, 28th April, 1970, R. Kennedy, on turned ebonised plinth, 6¾ins (17cm) high, overall
Details
A silver European Fairs Cup replica miniature trophy, inscribed Coupe d'europe des Foires, Trophee Noel Beard, Vainqueur 1970, 28th April, 1970, R. Kennedy, on turned ebonised plinth, 6¾ins (17cm) high, overall
Further details
On their way to their first-ever European Trophy, Arsenal defeated Glentoran 3-1 on aggregate, Sporting Lisbon 3-0 on aggregate, Rouen 1-0 on aggregate, Dinamo Bacau 9-1 on aggregate, Ajax 3-1 on aggregate and finally Anderlecht 4-3 on aggregate.
Kennedy played only two league matches for Arsenal this season. However, he did appear several times as substitute in the Fairs Cup Tournament which later became the UEFA Cup. No appearance however, could have been better timed than the first leg of the Final against Anderlecht at the Parc Astrid, Brussels, when Kennedy was sent on for George with seven minutes remaining. This proved to be the turning point of the match. Anderlecht were cruising 3-0 until Kennedy managed to breach the defence and score the valuable away goal in the 82 minute. The second leg at Highbury in front of 51,000 spectators ended in a 3-0 win for Arsenal with goals from Kelly, Radford and Sammels which gave Arsenal an aggregate win of 4-3.
Kennedy played only two league matches for Arsenal this season. However, he did appear several times as substitute in the Fairs Cup Tournament which later became the UEFA Cup. No appearance however, could have been better timed than the first leg of the Final against Anderlecht at the Parc Astrid, Brussels, when Kennedy was sent on for George with seven minutes remaining. This proved to be the turning point of the match. Anderlecht were cruising 3-0 until Kennedy managed to breach the defence and score the valuable away goal in the 82 minute. The second leg at Highbury in front of 51,000 spectators ended in a 3-0 win for Arsenal with goals from Kelly, Radford and Sammels which gave Arsenal an aggregate win of 4-3.