Tottenham legend and former England striker Martin Chivers has died at the age of 80, the club confirmed. Chivers was one of Spurs’ greatest-ever players and sits third on their list of all-time top goalscorers. He scored 202 times in 415 appearances and also hit the back of the net on 13 occasions for his country in 24 caps.
Chivers began his career with boyhood club Southampton and helped guide them to the First Division, scoring 30 goals in 39 games in the 1965/66 season. He scored 106 goals in 190 appearances in total before joining Spurs in 1968 for a club record fee of £125,000.
Chivers helped Spurs to two League Cup wins and lifted the UEFA Cup in 1972. During this time, he earned his first call-up to England and went on to make 24 appearances.
He enjoyed a fruitful spell at Swiss club Servette, where he spent two years, before playing for the likes of Norwich and Brighton before retiring at Barnet in 1983.
After hanging up his boots, Chivers commentated for BBC Radio and was a host at Tottenham matches. In 2007, he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
Tottenham issued a statement confirming his passing, which read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin’s family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time. Our players will wear black armbands during this evening’s fixture against AFC Bournemouth. Rest in peace, Martin. One of the all-time greats.”
Steve Archibald, who won the FA Cup twice with Spurs, led the tributes to a club great. He wrote on social media: “Watched the great Martin Chivers before I became a pro, was an amazing watch, he was like Rolls Royce, so smooth in his movement, excellent in the air and a great finisher, but on top of all of that he was a really nice guy. Most sincere condolences to all of Martin’s family xxx.”