Martin Chivers, a name synonymous with Tottenham Hotspur’s storied past, etched his legacy with two unforgettable goals. One was a majestic header that soared above defenders, while the other was a powerful strike that rocketed into the top corner. Both goals found their mark against Wolverhampton Wanderers during the UEFA Cup final, cementing Chivers’ status as a club icon.

His thunderous long-range effort remains one of Tottenham’s most celebrated goals, deservedly earning a spot in any collection of the club’s historic moments from the Glory Glory Hallelujah era. Chivers, who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday at the age of 80, is revered as one of Spurs’ finest, with his 174 goals in 367 appearances ranking him among the club’s all-time top scorers. Yet, it is those strikes against Wolves in 1972 that continue to resonate, with grainy footage still cherished by fans.

Reflecting on Chivers’ prowess, former teammate Alan Mullery described him as possessing “great strength, shooting power, and running power,” noting his exceptional control and speed. “He could do everything,” Mullery said. While legendary manager Bill Nicholson wished for Chivers to emulate the physical style of Bobby Smith, Chivers maintained his own elegance on the field. “He was a classy sort of player,” Mullery remarked, “and you need all sorts in football, don’t you?”

Mullery also fondly remembered Chivers’ sportsmanship, recalling how he would often help opponents back to their feet and apologize after collisions. “He was a wonderful footballer and a goalscorer,” Mullery added. “So big and strong, you couldn’t knock him about. It was a delight to play alongside him.” Mullery’s admiration for Chivers was so profound that he convinced him to join him at Brighton during the twilight of Chivers’ career, when Mullery was managing the team.

Alan Mullery, former Spurs captain, recalls Chivers’ habit of picking up opponents when he knocked them over on the pitch and apologising.

Martin Chivers (top) celebrates winning the European Cup in 1972 with (left to right) Tottenham team-mates Mike England, Alan Gilzean, Ralph Coates and Joe Kinnear

‘He was a wonderful footballer and a goalscorer,’ said Mullery. ‘So big and strong. You couldn’t knock him about. It was a delight to play alongside him and I persuaded him to come and play for me towards the end of his career when I was manager at Brighton.

‘He said, “But look at me, I’m playing on one leg” and I said to him, “Don’t worry, you only need one leg, just come and score me a couple of goals.” And he did.’

Jennings and Mullery agreed he was one of the loveliest men you could meet. ‘An absolute gentleman,’ said Jennings, who was with him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. ‘I am devastated to see him go so quickly.’

Chivers was signed by Bill Nicholson for £125,000 in January 1968 after scoring 106 goals in 190 games for Southampton, his hometown club where he made his debut at the age of 17 and forged a prolific partnership with Terry Paine and was 33-goal top scorer when Saints were promoted to the top flight in 1966.

At Spurs, where he became affectionately known as Big Chiv, he found the net on his debut and hardly stopped, combining effectively with Jimmy Greaves and Alan Gilzean, and shouldering the goal burden when Greaves left for West Ham in 1970.

His record of 22 European goals was broken by Jermain Defoe in 2013. And he was for many years the last Spurs player to break 20 league goals in successive seasons (1970-71 and 1971-72) until Harry Kane started rewriting the club’s record books a decade ago.

Chivers, pictured in 1969, is the fourth-highest scorer in Spurs history with 174 goals

Chivers also scored 13 goals for England, including this strike against Greece at Wembley

In typically self-effacing fashion, Chivers adored Kane. Once, when he spotted him post-match in one of the corporate suites at White Hart Lane, he made a beeline to request an autograph he had promised for his grandson, weaving between the tables with a piece of paper and a pen.

Kane greeted him with a beaming smile and said: “Hello Chiv, how’s it going?”

Chivers started his international career in style, with seven goals in his first eight games. His last appearance came in the infamous World Cup qualifier at Wembley against Poland in October 1973, when a 1-1 draw denied England a place at the World Cup in West Germany. He finished with 24 caps and 13 goals.

After eight and a half years he left White Hart Lane for Servette in Switzerland in 1976 before returning to English football for spells with Norwich and Brighton. He also played in non-League.

Chivers returned to work for many years on match days, a tall and striking figure among the ranks of the club’s ambassadors.

Chivers was an club ambassador and was in attendance at Sunday’s clash with Sunderland

He was on duty for Sunday’s game against Sunderland and news of his death broke was announced as Thomas Frank’s squad arrived ahead of the game at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

‘One of our true legends, winning three big titles, one of our top scorers,’ said Spurs boss Frank. ‘Top Tottenham legend.’

More tributes followed from those who admired him as a footballer and a man and sent their condolences to his family.

Among them former Spurs and Scotland striker Steve Archibald, who said: ‘He was like a Rolls Royce, so smooth in his movement, excellent in the air and a great finisher but on top of all that he was a really nice guy.’

And Osvaldo Ardiles, who said: ‘Outstanding player, one of the very best in the world at the time. Was very privileged to know him very well through the years. A great guy. We will miss him very much.’