Welwyn Hatfield Times

After retiring from the professional game, the star striker entered the hospitality sector, becoming landlord of the Brookmans Park Hotel in Bradmore Green, now known as Brookmans pub, between 1981 and 1999.

There has been an outpouring of tributes from the community since Martin's death was announced yesterday (January 7), with one individual who used to frequent the hotel bar describing him as a "true gent".

Their Facebook post said: "What a very nice man he was, [he] stood behind me once telling someone what a nice bar it was if it wasn't for all the Arsenal supporters in it."

Another said Martin was their first ever football hero, and they too met him at the hotel.

"Absolute gent and very humble," they added.

After starting his career at Southampton, helping them win promotion to the top flight in 1966 under Ted Bates, a move to White Hart Lane followed in January 1968 for what was then a club and British record fee of £125,000.

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Martin’s 174 goals for Spurs see him still sitting in the top five on the club’s all-time list.

Current Spurs boss Thomas Frank said on Sky Sports: “He was one of our true legends, winning three big titles, one of our top scorers.

“All our thoughts go to the family and loved ones.”

As well as playing for the North London giants, the centre forward scored 13 goals in 24 appearances for England.

His last game came in a 1-1 draw against Poland at Wembley, when a memorable performance from goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski helped deny Sir Alf Ramsey’s side a place at the 1974 World Cup.

A post on England’s official X account read: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Chivers.

“Our condolences go out to his friends and family at this sad time.”

The former Spurs captain was joined by students and staff to open the facility at Onslow St Audrey’s, which has been 10 years in the making.

"It’s a pleasure for me to be here to open up the new pitch. I hope it gets many years of great use," said King - who made more than 320 appearances for Tottenham and played 21 times for England.

"I’d have loved something like this back in my day."

The Old Rectory Drive school has been collaborating with the Premier League club since September 2024, with King joining students in getting a feel for the new pitch.

The partnership with Tottenham provides learners at Onslow St Audrey's with insight and experience into coaching, helps further develop and supports elite sports performance.

Headteacher Julie Jones was delighted to see the project completed after a decade-long wait: adding: "This project has been a decade in the making, and it is a testament to the vision, hard work, and dedication of our school community and collaborative working with Danes Educational Trust.

"We are proud to offer our students world-class facilities to nurture their talents and foster a lifelong passion for health and fitness.

"Today, we celebrate not just a new pitch but a new chapter for OSA."

Danes Educational Trust chief operating officer, Dominic Richards added: "The improved sporting facilities and classrooms have been a vision of the school since 2012 and these excellent spaces will benefit current and future generations of learners.

"The all-weather football pitch is the crowning jewel in a series of investments that have redefined the school’s physical education facilities, alongside a state-of-the-art sports hall and fantastic dance studio.

"Together, these facilities represent a significant leap forward in their mission to become the number one choice for secondary physical education."

Work to improve the sports facilities at Onslow St Audrey's also took a big step back in October last year, when a new 'state-of-the-art' sports hall was opened.

Tottenham Hotspur's James Rowswell has returned to Bengeo School, where he once took part in after-school football sessions.