Tottenham have announced that club legend Martin Chivers has died aged 80.
Chivers is widely regarded to be among the greatest centre-forwards in Spurs’ history having scored 174 goals in 367 games for the north London outfit.
Between 1971 and 1973, Chivers was rewarded for his extraordinary goalscoring form at club level as he was capped 24 times by the England national team, netting 13 times for his country.
Chivers made his first steps in professional football with boyhood side Southampton before joining Tottenham for a then club-record fee of £125,000 in 1968.
After leaving Spurs, he would go on to represent Servette, Norwich, Brighton, Dorchester Town and Vard Haugesund in Norway, before calling time on his playing career in 1983 after a brief spell with Barnet.
While paying tribute to their prolific former marksman, Tottenham confirmed that Thomas Frank’s first-team squad would be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for their upcoming clash with Bournemouth.
‘It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers,’ a club 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.’
Only four players sit above Chivers on Tottenham’s all-time top scorers list four decades on from his retirement, namely Harry Kane, Jimmy Greaves, Bobby Smith and Son Heung-min.
Chivers’ goalscoring exploits helped Spurs win four pieces of silverware during his time at the club – two League Cups, the Anglo-Italian League Cup and the UEFA Cup in 1972.
The Southampton-born attacker scored twice in Tottenham’s League Cup final victory over Aston Villa in 1971. A year later, he completed another brace as the club defeated Wolves in an all-English, two-legged European final.
Despite average better than a goal every other game for England, Chivers never represented the Three Lions at major tournament.
Addressing Chivers’ sad passing ahead of his side’s clash with Bournemouth, Spurs head coach Frank told Sky Sports: ‘One of our true legends, winning three big titles.
‘He’s one of our top goalscorers, a true Tottenham legend, and all our thoughts go to the family and his loved ones.’
Southampton joined Tottenham in paying tribute and offered their condolences to Chivers’ loved ones in a touching statement on social media.
‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former striker, Martin Chivers,’ the message read.
‘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.’
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