Births on April 27

Martin Chivers, English footballer and manager

Martin Harcourt Chivers, born on 27 April 1945, is a distinguished English retired professional footballer who left an indelible mark on the sport during the vibrant decades of the 1960s and 1970s. Renowned for his powerful presence as a centre-forward, Chivers became a household name, particularly celebrated for his prolific goalscoring and crucial contributions to some of the era's most successful club sides. His career spanned a significant period in English football, seeing him evolve from a promising young talent to a revered goalscorer and a vital cog in trophy-winning teams.

A Striker's Rise: Early Career at Southampton

Chivers began his professional journey at Southampton, joining the club as an apprentice and signing professional terms in 1962. It was at The Dell where he honed his formidable skills, quickly establishing himself as a potent attacking threat. His strength, aerial ability, and powerful shot made him a handful for defenders, and his burgeoning goalscoring record soon caught the attention of larger, top-flight clubs. Over 100 appearances for the Saints saw him net 37 goals, setting the stage for a significant move that would define his career.

Tottenham Hotspur: The Glory Years and Prolific Goalscoring

In 1968, Chivers made a pivotal move to Tottenham Hotspur in a then-record £125,000 deal, which also saw Frank Saul move in the opposite direction. This transfer marked the beginning of his most celebrated period. Under the legendary management of Bill Nicholson, Chivers became the spearhead of a formidable Spurs attack, linking up effectively with teammates like Alan Gilzean. His time at White Hart Lane was synonymous with success, as he played a central role in securing multiple major trophies for the North London club. He was instrumental in winning two League Cups, first in 1971 and again in 1973, where his commanding performances and vital goals helped secure silverware. However, his most iconic achievement with Tottenham came in 1972 when he was the top scorer in the inaugural UEFA Cup, leading Spurs to victory in an all-English final against Wolverhampton Wanderers. His powerful and often spectacular goals throughout the competition underscored his immense talent and ability on the European stage. Chivers' physical prowess, combined with a keen eye for goal and an ability to score with both feet and his head, made him one of the most feared strikers of his generation. His impressive goal tally for Tottenham, including over 100 league goals, firmly cemented his place in the club's history books.

England International Appearances

Chivers' exceptional form at club level did not go unnoticed by the national selectors. He earned his first cap for England in 1971 and went on to make 11 appearances for the Three Lions, scoring 3 goals. While his international career was relatively brief, it showcased his ability to compete at the highest level, representing his country among some of the era's greatest players.

Later Career and Life After Football

After his highly successful spell at Tottenham, Chivers moved to Norwich City in 1976, where he continued to demonstrate his scoring abilities. He later embarked on a fascinating phase of his career, playing for a variety of clubs in different leagues, including spells in Switzerland with Servette and in Australia for clubs like Football Kingz. His extensive playing career eventually wound down, but his connection to football, and particularly Tottenham Hotspur, remained strong. In his post-playing days, Chivers has continued to be involved with the sport, often taking on ambassadorial roles for Tottenham Hotspur, attending club events, and engaging with the fanbase, ensuring his legacy as a true Spurs legend endures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Martin Chivers

What position did Martin Chivers play?

Martin Chivers was primarily a centre-forward or striker, known for his strength, aerial ability, and powerful shot.

Which major clubs did Martin Chivers play for?

His most prominent spells were with Southampton and, most notably, Tottenham Hotspur, where he achieved significant success. He also played for Norwich City and several other clubs internationally.

What were Martin Chivers' main achievements with Tottenham Hotspur?

With Tottenham Hotspur, Chivers won two League Cups (1971 and 1973) and the UEFA Cup in 1972, where he was also the tournament's top scorer. He was a key figure in Bill Nicholson's successful Spurs teams.

How many times did Martin Chivers represent England?

He earned 11 caps for the England national team between 1971 and 1973, scoring 3 goals during his international career.

What was Martin Chivers known for on the pitch?

Chivers was known for his powerful physique, dominant aerial presence, and ability to score a wide variety of goals, making him a formidable and often spectacular opponent for defenders throughout his career.