The history of Chelsea Football Club is littered with young stars who ultimately failed
to live up to their potential. The case of Gary Chivers, a stylish, ball-playing
central-defender, is perhaps one of the most disappointing of all. The 19 year-old
was given his debut by manager Danny Blanchflower as soon as Chelsea's relegation
to Division Two was confirmed in April 1979 and he made an impressive contribution
in the final five games of the season, particularly at Old Trafford where he played
his part in shackling Joe Jordan and Jimmy Greenhoff as a young Chelsea side earned
a draw in front of 40,000 supporters.
Chivers began the following campaign in the reserves but an early season injury to right-back
Gary Locke gave him the opportunity to show his versatility and he subsequently remained
in the team for the majority of the season. He scored twice in his first full season, both being
crucial winners in 1-0 victories over Bristol Rovers and Notts County. Chelsea missed promotion
on goal difference but made an outstanding start to the following campaign. Gary was now firmly
established in the side and was an impressive figure as Chelsea embarked on a run of eight wins
and a draw from nine games, the highlight being a 6-0 victory over Newcastle in which Chivers
capped another classy display with a Goal of the Season contender.
Unfortunately, the defenders in that team were somewhat let down by an attack which scored
a total of just eight goals in the last 22 matches and a rot set in at the club which took some
time to eradicate. Gary began the following season in the side and played in both games against
Southampton as The Blues created a shock in the League Cup with a 3-2 aggregate victory but
he fell from favour in the autumn and was not selected for the memorable FA Cup victory
over Liverpool.
An injury to Micky Droy gave Gary the opportunity to play against Tottenham in the next round but
The Blues were beaten. He did, however, keep his place in defence and when Droy returned at the
beginning of April, Chivers moved successfully into midfield for the remainder of the season. He was
back in defence for the start of the 1982/83 campaign but his form throughout that term was patchy,
reflecting that of the club who were to suffer the lowest finish in their history at the end of the season.
Gary was regularly selected throughout the campaign but he often wore the look of a man who lacked
interest and enthusiasm. He was dropped at the beginning of April and was only recalled as an
emergency left-back after an injury to Chris Hutchings but he did enough to convince his manager
John Neal that he should remain in the team for the last few games as Chelsea eventually won a
hard-fought battle against relegation to Division Three. However, the Chelsea management had
decided that wholesale changes were needed for the following season and in May 1983 Chivers had
his contract paid up and became a free agent, subsequently joining Swansea City that summer. (Kelvin Barker)