time great' Martin Chivers after former England striker dies aged 80

Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton pay tribute to 'all-time great' Martin Chivers after former England striker dies aged 80

Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton have paid tribute to ex-England striker Martin Chivers, who has died at the age of 80. Chivers won three major trophies in a prolific spell at Spurs after impressing for his hometown club on the south coast. Tottenham confirmed that their players would wear black armbands in his memory for their Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.

Tottenham Hotspur have expressed their "immense sadness" at the news that their ex-striker Martin Chivers has died at the age of 80.

Chivers, who won two League Cups and the 1972 UEFA Cup in an eight-and-a-half year stint at the club, was a prolific scorer in the first division, netting 174 goals in 367 appearances for Spurs.

The Southampton-born forward also earned 24 England caps in which he scored 14 goals.

"It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers," read the club's post on social media.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin's family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.

"Rest in peace, Martin. One of the all-time greats."

Spurs added that their players would wear black armbands for their Premier League match against Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.

Chivers began his professional career at his local club Southampton, making 189 appearances and scoring 108 goals during a five-and-a-half year spell.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former striker, Martin Chivers," wrote Southampton.

"We offer our thoughts to Martin's family and friends during this difficult time."

Ex-Barcelona and Aberdeen striker Steve Archibald, who joined Tottenham four years after Chivers had departed for Swiss outfit Servette, called the forward a "Rolls-Royce".

He wrote on X: "Watched the great Martin Chivers before I became a pro, was an amazing watch. He was like [a] 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."

Chivers went on to score 37 goals in 74 appearances for Servette, clinching both the Swiss Cup and Swiss League Cup in back-to-back seasons.

The 1971 Anglo-Italian League Cup winner also had short spells at Norwich City and Brighton.

Related Topics