Tottenham legend Martin Chivers has died aged 80, the north London club confirmed in an emotional statement on Wednesday.
The former striker played at Spurs for eight years during the 1960s and 1970s, becoming one of the club’s greatest goal-scorers in history.
Third in the club’s all-time scoring charts, Chivers netted an impressive 202 goals in 415 appearances for Tottenham.
The Premier League club led tributes to their legendary former player in an emotional tribute on Wednesday.
‘It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers,’ Spurs posted on social media platform X.
‘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.’
Former Tottenham player Steve Archibald also took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to Chivers.
‘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,’ he wrote.
‘Most sincere condolences to all of Martin’s family xxx.’
Paul Coyte, Tottenham’s matchday announcer, also added: ‘I’m absolutely devastated that my great friend and footballing hero Martin Chivers has passed away.
‘He was a giant of a man, the best striker in the world in his day and I will miss him terribly.’
Chivers began his career at Southampton, where he was born, and enjoyed a successful six years there between 1962 and 1968 before moving to White Hart Lane.
Saints also posted a tribute, which read: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former striker, Martin Chivers. Born in the city, Martin made 189 appearances for the club, scoring 108 goals.
‘We offer our thoughts to Martin’s family and friends during this difficult time.’
During his time in north London, the striker guided Spurs to UEFA Cup success in 1972 and helped the club win two League Cups in 1971 and 1973.
Leaving Tottenham in 1978, Chivers moved to Switzerland to join Servette, where he spent two years before returning to England.
Before his retirement in 1983, he played for multiple English clubs including Norwich, Brighton, Dorcester Town and Barnet, while also undertaking a couple of brief stints abroad at Australian club Frankston City and Norwegian outfit Vard Haugesund.
More to follow.
