Legendary Northern Irish goalkeeper who excelled at both Tottenham and Arsenal across an extraordinary career spanning over two decades.
Patrick Anthony Jennings was born on 12 June 1945 in Newry, Northern Ireland, and began his football journey with Shamrock Rovers of Newry and Newry Town before signing with Watford in 1963. His exceptional shot-stopping and huge hands — reportedly able to palm a football with one hand — quickly established him as one of the finest young goalkeepers in Britain, and Tottenham Hotspur signed him in 1964. Jennings spent 13 seasons at Tottenham, becoming one of the most respected goalkeepers in English football and helping the club win the FA Cup, League Cup twice, and the 1972 UEFA Cup. A surprise, controversial transfer to fierce rivals Arsenal in 1977 initially shocked supporters of both clubs, but Jennings went on to enjoy some of the finest form of his career at Highbury, helping Arsenal reach three consecutive FA Cup finals from 1978 to 1980, winning in 1979. Jennings earned a then-world-record 119 caps for Northern Ireland across a remarkable 22-year international career, and famously played at the 1982 World Cup at 37 years old, becoming the oldest outfield or goalkeeping player at the tournament. He returned to Tottenham for a farewell season in 1985 before a brief spell at Everton closed out his career, retiring in 1986 at 41 years old. Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of British football, Jennings was appointed a CBE for his services to the game and later worked as a goalkeeping coach for Tottenham Hotspur, passing on decades of experience to the next generation.
Being the first goalkeeper to score in top-flight English football
He played his final international on his 41st birthday at the 1986 World Cup, and is one of the few players to have played for both Tottenham and Arsenal and be loved by fans of both clubs.
Did You Know?How They Played
Exceptional shot-stopper with huge hands, great positioning and ability to distribute the ball accurately
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time and Northern Ireland's most capped player
Career Honours
- FA Cup 2x
- League Cup 2x
- UEFA Cup 1972
- FWA FOTY 1973
- FA Cup 1967
- FA Cup 1984
- League Cup 1971
- League Cup 1973
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watford | 1963–1964 | 591 | 0 | #1 |
| Arsenal | 1977–1985 | 77 | 0 | #12 |
| Newry Town | 1961–1963 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 1964–1977 | 472 | 1 | #12 |
 Northern Ireland | — | 119 | — | — |