Before Steve Ogrizovic, there was Bill Glazier. For over a decade, Glazier was the undisputed number one at Highfield Road, combining showmanship with world-class shot-stopping. His arrival in 1964 was a statement of intent that Coventry City were no longer a small club—they were ready to break records to reach the top.
Signed by Jimmy Hill from Crystal Palace for £35,000, Glazier became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world. He repaid every penny, helping the club win the Second Division title and establishing them in the First Division. Many consider him the greatest English goalkeeper never to win a senior cap, simply because his career coincided with Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton. Below is the record of a true club legend.
Key Player Vitals & Data
| Metric | Detail |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Coventry Career Tenure | 1964 – 1975 |
| Total Competitive Appearances | 402 |
| Clean Sheets | 100+ |
| Signed From | Crystal Palace (£35,000 – World Record) |
| Honours | Second Division Champion (1966/67) |
| International Honours | England U23 Caps |
| Distinction | Coventry City Player of the Year (1965) |
The World Record Signing
In October 1964, Jimmy Hill stunned the football world by paying £35,000 for Glazier. It was a colossal sum for a goalkeeper, smashing the previous world record. The pressure was immense, but Glazier thrived on it. His agility earned him the nickname “The Cat,” and he was pivotal in the 1967 promotion campaign.
The 1966 World Cup Testimonial
Glazier is famous for his testimonial match in 1974, which was played against the 1966 England World Cup winning XI (featuring Moore, Charlton, Hurst, etc.). In a moment of pure theatre, Glazier came out of goal to take a penalty against Gordon Banks—and scored! The match finished 2-2 and remains one of the most fondly remembered exhibition games in the club’s history.
The Injury and Legacy
A broken leg in 1965 threatened to derail his career, but he recovered to play consistently at the highest level. By the time he left in 1975 to join Brentford, he had amassed over 400 appearances, a total only surpassed by a handful of players in the club’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Was Bill Glazier the most expensive goalkeeper in the world? Yes. When Coventry City signed him in 1964 for £35,000, it was a world record fee for a goalkeeper, surpassing the fee Chelsea paid for Reg Matthews years earlier.
Did Bill Glazier play for England? He represented England at Under-23 level but never won a senior cap. He was consistently named in provisional squads but faced impossible competition from World Cup winner Gordon Banks.
How many games did Bill Glazier play for Coventry? Bill Glazier made 402 competitive appearances for the Sky Blues, placing him in the top 10 of the club’s all-time appearance makers.
Did Bill Glazier really score a goal? In competitive football, no. However, he famously scored a penalty against Gordon Banks during his testimonial match in 1974.
