Tottenham Hotspur legend Martin Chivers dies aged 80 as tributes pour in for record-breaker

Tottenham Hotspur hero Martin Chivers has sadly passed away at the age of 80.

The former striker spent eight years at White Hart Lane between 1968-1976 – winning four major honours.

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Javier Garcia

He made the move to north London from Southampton in what was a then club-record deal worth £125,000.

The transfer also made him England‘s most expensive player at the time, with Chivers proving it was money well spent.

Chivers won two League Cups for Spurs in 1971 and 1973 – scoring the only two goals in the former year’s win over Aston Villa in the final.

He also helped Spurs lift the UEFA Cup in 1972 at Wolves’ expense, where he fired in a double in the 2-1 first leg victory.

And he was also part of the side that won the Anglo-Italian League Cup in 1971, where he scored in the 2-0 final win over Torino.

In total, Chivers banged in 174 goals in 367 matches for Spurs in all competitions.

The 24-cap Three Lions international remained the club’s leading scorer in European football until November 2013.

Chivers was in the stands to watch Jermain Defoe scored for the 23rd time in Europe against FC Sheriff in the Europa League.

Rest in peace

It was announced on Wednesday that Chivers, who played for Norwich and Brighton after Spurs, had tragically passed away.

Spurs players will wear black armbands in tribute to Chivers for their clash at Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.

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“It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers,” a Spurs statement read.

“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.”

Reacting to the news on X, one Spurs fan posted: “Sad news, hearing Martin Chivers has died today, my first centre forward! Rest easy big Chiv!”

Another fan said: “Awful news. Condolences to his family and friends, and may he rest in peace.”

This fan said: “Incredibly sad. A proper, proper legend. RIP Big Chiv.”