Ray Kennedy: a life in pictures

The former Arsenal, Liverpool and England player Ray Kennedy has died aged 70. He won every domestic honour in the English game and was a key member of Bob Paisley’s all-conquering Liverpool side of the late 1970s. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984

Main image: Ray Kennedy (centre) and Liverpool teammates celebrate winning the Division One title 1977. Photograph: Colorsport/Shutterstock

  • Born into a coal mining family from Seaton Delaval in Northumberland, Ray Kennedy was scouted by Arsenal and signed as a striker in 1968, making his debut the following year. His breakthrough came at the start of the 1970-71 season when he replaced the injured Charlie George in the side. Here he is pictured during a win against Wolves at Highbury in December 1970.
    In action beating Wolves at Highbury, December 1970.

  • Arsenal clinched the Division One title in their final league game of the 1970-71 season, Kennedy scoring the only goal of the win Tottenham. They also progressed to the FA Cup final. George Armstrong (left), Ray Kennedy (centre) and John Radford are pictured recording Good Old Arsenal – the club’s FA Cup final single.
    George Armstrong, Ray Kennedy and John Radford recording Good Old Arsenal – the club’s 1971 FA Cup final single.

  • Arsenal took Liverpool to extra time in the final and eventually won the match 2-1, becoming only the fourth club to achieve the league and FA Cup Double. Kennedy (left) holds aloft the trophy with Charlie George, who scored the winning goal.
    Kennedy holding the FA Cup aloft with Charlie George after Arsenal's 2-1 win against Liverpool

  • Kennedy is congratulated by fans after clinching the Double with Arsenal in the 1970-71 season.
    Kennedy is congratulated by fans after clinching the Double.

  • Kennedy made 158 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 53 goals. Here, he is pictured in acrobatic action against Newcastle United at Highbury in 1973.
    Kennedy in action against Newcastle United at Highbury in 1973

  • With a transfer fee of £200,000, Ray Kennedy became Liverpool’s record signing in July 1974, on the same day that the club’s manager Bill Shankly resigned.
    Ray Kennedy becomes Liverpool’s then record signing in July 1974, on the same day that manager Bill Shankly resigned

  • Kennedy scored against Chelsea on his debut for Liverpool. They finished the season as Division One runners-up to Derby County. Kennedy is pictured heading towards goal against West Ham at Anfield in November 1974.
    Kennedy sends a header towards goal against West Ham at Anfield in November 1974

  • Kennedy won the first league title of his career with Liverpool in the 1975/76 campaign. Kennedy, by now establishing himself in Liverpool’s midfield, is pictured walking out at Wembley for the 1976 Charity Shield, when they defeated Southampton 1-0.
    Kennedy walking out at Wembley for the 1976 Charity Shield against Southampton

  • Liverpool would win the Division One title again in 1976-77. Here Kennedy (centre) holds aloft the trophy with Terry McDermott.
    Kennedy holds aloft the First Division trophy with Terry McDermott in 1977

  • Liverpool won their first European Cup in May 1977, defeating Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Kennedy (right) and Jimmy Case are pictured holding the trophy.
    Kennedy and Jimmy Case hold the European Cup after Liverpool beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in 1977

  • Kennedy made his debut for England in 1976. Here he’s pictured at England training with his six Liverpool teammates in 1977. (Left to right) Ian Callaghan, Terry McDermott, Ray Clemence, Phil Neal, Kennedy and Emlyn Hughes.
    Kennedy pictured at England training with six Liverpool teammates in 1977, Ian Callaghan, Terry McDermott, Ray Clemence, Phil Neal and Emlyn Hughes.

  • Kennedy shoots for England against Switzerland at Wembley in 1977. Kennedy won a 17 caps for England, scoring three goals.
    Kennedy shoots for England against Switzerland at Wembley in 1977

  • Kennedy pictured at Loftus Road in November 1977, playing against QPR.
    Kennedy pictured at Loftus Road in November 1977, playing against QPR.

  • Kennedy in action for Liverpool against Chelsea in 1978. Kennedy won five First Division titles at Anfield between 1975-1981 and three European Cups.
    Kennedy in action for Liverpool against Chelsea in 1978

  • Kennedy joined Swansea City in 1982, playing under his former Liverpool teammate John Toshack. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984.
    Kennedy playing for Swansea City

  • In 1991, Arsenal hosted Liverpool for Kennedy’s testimonial.
    Ray Kennedy at Highbury in 1991 for his testimonial

  • Ray Kennedy: 1951-2021.
    Ray Kennedy with the European Cup on his head after Liverpool's victory in the 1977 final
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