Carlisle United have joined in the tributes to goalkeeping great Ray Clemence, who has died.

The England and Liverpool legend, regarded as one of the country's all-time best keepers, passed away at 72.

Tributes have flowed from across the game to the man who won three European Cups and five First Division titles at Anfield, as well as 61 England caps.

Clemence came up against the Blues more than once in his glittering career.

United's director of football David Holdsworth said he wished to pay tribute to the great Clemence on behalf of the club and on a personal level.

"He was a pure class person and an amazing keeper - a real legend," he said.

"Our sympathies go to his family and to English football."

Clemence encountered Carlisle a number of times during his era with the Anfield giants, including in Liverpool's 5-1 victory in the League Cup in 1972.

He played in both FA Cup ties when the Blues took Liverpool to a replay in 1974, keeping a clean sheet in both games including Liverpool's 2-0 win at Brunton Park.

He also defied the Cumbrians twice in United's only top-flight season, helping Liverpool to a 1-0 win at Brunton Park and a 2-0 victory at Anfield.

A further FA Cup tie against the Cumbrians in 1977 saw Clemence secure another shut-out in a 3-0 victory.

His England career, meanwhile, brought other Carlisle connections, with Clemence in goal when Carlisle star Kevin Beattie played for the national side.

His coaching stint with the international side also brought Clemence alongside ex-Blues star John Gorman as part of Glenn Hoddle's regime in the late 1990s.

Clemence, who joined Liverpool from Scunthorpe under Bill Shankly, and later played for Tottenham and managed Barnet, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005.

In a statement on Sunday his family said they "would like to say a huge thank you, for all the love and support that he's received over the years.

"He was loved so much by us all and he will never be forgotten."

They added that he was surrounded by his family as he passed away. "After fighting so hard, for such a long time, he's now at peace and in no more pain."

Former Carlisle goalkeepers have saluted one of the greatest to play in their position.

Ex-Blues No1 Kelham O'Hanlon wrote: "So sad to hear the passing of Ray Clemence, an inspiration to a generation of GKs and a wonderful man ,RIP Clem."

Adam Collin described Clemence as "an absolute legend".