Martin Chivers was a ‘Rolls Royce’ of a player – Steve Archibald leads tributes

Former Tottenham and England forward Martin Chivers has been remembered as a “Rolls Royce” of a player and club great following his death aged 80.

Chivers led the attack for Bill Nicholson’s Spurs side from the early 1970s, winning the League Cup twice as well as enjoying UEFA Cup success.

After announcing his death on Wednesday, Spurs confirmed players would wear black armbands during the Premier League game at Bournemouth, before which manager Thomas Frank reflected on Chivers’ legacy at the north London club, having scored 174 goals.

Former Spurs forward Steve Archibald – who won the FA Cup twice as well as the 1984 UEFA Cup while at White Hart Lane – also paid tribute to Chivers as a “Rolls Royce” of a player.

“Watched the great Martin Chivers before I became a pro, was an amazing watch,” former Scotland and Barcelona striker Archibald wrote on X.

“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 xxx.”

Watched the great Martin Chivers before I became a pro, was an amazing watch, he was like 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 xxx

— Steve Archibald (@SteveArchibald8) January 7, 2026

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.

Chivers recovered from a serious knee injury to go on to become a key member of the Spurs team which reached four finals in as many years.

He scored both goals in the 1971 League Cup win over Aston Villa at Wembley and also helped Spurs finish third in the old First Division in 1971.

Chivers scored a memorable long-range goal in the first leg of the 1972 UEFA Cup final against Wolves, which Spurs went on to win 3-2 on aggregate.

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers.

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… pic.twitter.com/pJQkfRoOaQ

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 7, 2026

The 1972/73 season saw Chivers finish with 33 goals as Spurs went on to lift the League Cup once more with a 1-0 win over Norwich and also reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, losing to Liverpool on the away goals rule.

Chivers 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.

After making 367 appearances for Spurs, Chivers left to join Swiss club Servette ahead of the 1976/77 season.

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

🎙 ”What a shot! Pick that one out!” ✨

50 years ago today, Martin Chivers scored one of the most famous goals in the club's history as we beat Wolves 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Cup Final! pic.twitter.com/OA9KDLhrjx

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 3, 2022

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

“A true Tottenham legend. All our thoughts go to the family and loved ones.”

Chivers later had spells back in England at Norwich and then briefly Brighton, managed by his former Spurs team-mate Alan Mullery, before a stint as player-manager at Southern League Dorchester. He also played at Norwegian side Vard and had 10 games for Barnet in 1982/83.

In retirement, Chivers ran a hotel and restaurant in Hertfordshire and later also did media work with BBC Radio.

Chivers remained a regular at Tottenham home games and was a member of the London club’s matchday legends hospitality team.

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

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. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rC5QF2mFkr

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 7, 2026

Southampton added their condolences.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former striker, Martin Chivers,” a statement from the Saints on X 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.”

We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Chivers.

Martin earned 24 caps for the #ThreeLions, scoring 13 goals for his country between 1971-1973.

Our condolences go out to his friends and family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/djjjQ3DAPb

— England (@England) January 7, 2026

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

“Martin earned 24 caps for the Three Lions, scoring 13 goals for his country between 1971-1973.

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