The Tottenham Hotspur community is in mourning following the sudden death of club legend Martin Chivers at the age of 80. The former striker, renowned for his powerful shooting and elegant aerial ability, passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy etched in some of the club's most glorious moments.
Goals That Defined an Era
Chivers' place in Spurs folklore is forever secured by two iconic strikes in the 1972 UEFA Cup final against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The first was a towering, graceful header, while the second was a blistering long-range shot arrowed into the top corner. The latter is considered one of the most famous goals in the club's history, a perfect emblem of the 'Glory Glory Hallelujah' period.
Only three players have ever scored more goals for Tottenham than Chivers' remarkable tally of 174 in 367 appearances. His record of 22 European goals for Spurs stood for over four decades until Jermain Defoe surpassed it in 2013. For many years, he was also the last Tottenham player to score over 20 league goals in consecutive seasons (1970-71 and 1971-72), a feat only recently matched and exceeded by Harry Kane.
Remembered by Teammates: A Gentle Giant
Tributes from former colleagues paint a picture of a supremely talented yet humble man. Goalkeeping great Pat Jennings, a close friend, expressed his devastation. "You won't see two better goals," Jennings said of the UEFA Cup final double. "Great strength, shooting power, running power. He had control. Really quick. He could do everything... He was an absolute gentleman."
Former captain Alan Mullery highlighted Chivers' gentle nature on the pitch, recalling his habit of apologising and helping up opponents he had knocked over. "He was a wonderful footballer and a goalscorer," Mullery said. "So big and strong. You couldn't knock him about. It was a delight to play alongside him." Mullery later managed Chivers at Brighton, persuading the ageing striker to join by joking, "Don't worry, you only need one leg, just come and score me a couple of goals."
A Prolific Career from Southampton to Spurs
Born in Southampton, Chivers began his career at his hometown club, scoring 106 goals in 190 games and forming a prolific partnership with Terry Paine. His 33-goal haul fired Saints to promotion in 1966.
In January 1968, Tottenham manager Bill Nicholson signed him for £125,000. He scored on his debut and formed effective partnerships with Jimmy Greaves and Alan Gilzean, later shouldering the main goalscoring burden after Greaves' departure. Affectionately known as 'Big Chiv', he won three major trophies with Spurs.
Chivers also earned 24 caps for England, scoring 13 goals. His international career started brightly with seven goals in his first eight games, but his final appearance was in the infamous 1-1 draw with Poland in 1973 that denied England a place at the World Cup.
He left Spurs for Servette in Switzerland in 1976, later playing for Norwich, Brighton, and in non-League football. In later years, he returned to Tottenham as a matchday ambassador, his tall, striking figure a familiar and welcome presence. He was on duty for Sunday's game against Sunderland, just days before his passing.
Further tributes poured in from across the football world. Spurs boss Thomas Frank called him "one of our true legends." Former striker Steve Archibald likened him to "a Rolls Royce, so smooth in his movement," while Osvaldo Ardiles said he was "one of the very best in the world at the time."
In a touching anecdote that captured his self-effacing character, Chivers once approached Harry Kane for an autograph for his grandson after a match. Kane greeted the club legend warmly with, "Hello Chiv, how's it going?" The story perfectly encapsulates a man who, despite his own legendary status, remained a humble fan of the game and his club.
