Martin Chivers

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Chivers attended Taunton's Grammar School, Southampton, and wrote to Southampton for a trial. He signed as a professional in September 1962 and made his debut against Charlton Athletic on 8 September 1962. His first goal came on 6 April 1963 against Newcastle United, making him the first substitute to score for the Saints. He scored 106 goals in 190 appearances for Southampton. At Tottenham, he scored 174 goals in 367 appearances, and his 42 goals in 1971–72 included a hat-trick against Keflavik ÍF and a double in the UEFA Cup final. He was inducted into the Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame in April 2007.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed down at Filbert Street as the clock ticked toward injury time in 1974. The score was level against a top-tier London side, and hope seemed to be fading for the traveling fans. Then came the cross from the wing, high and drifting into the box. Martin Chivers rose above three defenders, his head connecting with perfect force. The net rippled, and the roar of the home crowd drowned out the storm as the Foxes secured a vital victory that would define their season.

Reader's Guide

Chivers played as a forward. He was known for his pace and natural strength, though sometimes seen as lethargic. He scored 13 goals in 24 England appearances between 1971 and 1973 but did not play in a major tournament. After retiring from professional football, he owned The Brookmans Park hotel from 1981 to 1999, commentated for BBC Radio, and served as National Development Manager to the Football Association from May 2008. His autobiography, Big Chiv – My Goals in Life, was released in October 2009.

Did You Know?

• Chivers was the first substitute to score for Southampton.
• He scored 42 goals in the 1971–72 season for Tottenham.
• His transfer to Tottenham in 1968 made him the most expensive player in England at £125,000.
• He remained Tottenham's leading goalscorer in European competition until overtaken by Jermain Defoe in 2013.