Tottenham Hotspur legend Martin Chivers dies aged 80 as tributes pour in for the club’s iconic record-holder
Tottenham Hotspur great Martin Chivers has died at the age of 80. The legendary forward enjoyed an outstanding eight-year spell at White Hart Lane between 1968 and 1976, winning four major honours and cementing his place in the club’s history.
Chivers arrived from Southampton in a then club-record £125,000 deal, a fee that also made him England’s most expensive player at the time. He quickly proved his worth, becoming a key figure in Spurs’ success during the early 1970s. He helped the club lift League Cup titles in 1971 and 1973, scoring both goals in the 1971 final win over Aston Villa. He was also central to Tottenham’s 1972 UEFA Cup triumph, netting twice in the 2–1 first-leg victory against Wolves, and scored in the 2–0 final win over Torino as Spurs claimed the Anglo-Italian League Cup in 1971.
In total, Chivers scored 174 goals in 367 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham. The England international earned 24 caps and remained the club’s top European scorer until November 2013, when his record was overtaken by Jermain Defoe — a moment Chivers witnessed from the stands.
His passing was confirmed on Wednesday. Chivers, who also represented Norwich City and Brighton during his career, will be honoured by Tottenham players wearing black armbands in their match against Bournemouth.
In an official statement, the club said:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Martin’s family, friends and former team-mates at this very difficult time. Our players will wear black armbands during this evening’s fixture against AFC Bournemouth. Rest in peace, Martin — one of our all-time greats.”
Supporters paid tribute online, with one fan writing: “Devastating news — Martin Chivers was my first centre-forward. Rest easy, Big Chiv.” Another added: “Terrible news. Thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace,” while others simply hailed him as “a true legend.”
talkSPORT presenter and lifelong Spurs fan Danny Kelly also led tributes, describing Chivers as the finest striker in England — and possibly Europe — during the early 1970s. Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Kelly said:
“From 1971 to 1973, he was the best centre-forward in England, and maybe in Europe. He was a powerful, dominant force. He didn’t need pace — once he got going, defenders couldn’t stop him.”
Kelly went on to place Chivers among Tottenham’s greatest forwards, behind only Jimmy Greaves, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, adding:
“For a three-year spell, he was the best striker in English football.”
Rest in peace, Martin Chivers.