Remembering Shaun Niven

The chairman visits Stranraer Museum to take in the Stranraer FC 150th anniversary exhibition, 2021

All at Stair Park were devastated to learn about the untimely death of Shaun Niven at the age of 52.

Having acted as vice chairman for several years, Shaun was appointed chairman in summer 2021, helping to steady the ship during a time of significant change at the club.

Such was his talent, knowledge and influence, any attempt to convey the sheer amount of work Shaun did for Stranraer Football Club over the years would barely scratch the surface.

As match secretary, Shaun was an expert in the rules and regulations which every club is required to adhere to, keeping his colleagues informed and helping the club to make the right decisions, both at boardroom level and on the pitch.

Many of the players who signed for Stranraer over the years were registered by Shaun, who liaised with the governing bodies, attending meetings and representing the club in key votes and consultations.

Shaun’s statistical knowledge and meticulous memory was second to none, and he could be called upon for all manner of facts and trivia – not limited to Stranraer FC, or even football. This was often demonstrated during his impressive displays of intellectual prowess in the Glasgow-based Stranraer FC Supporters’ quiz.

A labour of love, the award-winning Stranraer match programme ‘Beyond the Bandstand’ was compiled by Shaun and continuously improved over many years before its hiatus in summer 2021.

Supporters will be familiar with Shaun’s eBay store, which acted as a treasure trove of match programmes, rare teamwear and match-worn jerseys, and served as a valuable additional source of income to the club.

During the pandemic-hit 2020/21 season, Shaun combined his roles as vice chairman and deputy kitman with broadcast duties on our Stranraer FC LIVE streaming service. His highly professional, well-researched and unbiased commentary led to praise from Stranraer fans and opposition supporters alike.

Shaun acted as a great support to the media team at Stranraer, arranging – and sometimes conducting – interviews, sorting credentials for away trips and relaying information. His honest and forthright updates on the ‘It’s No Easy’ podcast provided clarity and transparency around the decisions being taken at the club.

He was a kind, approachable man, and a good friend to our staff, players, officials and supporters alike.

Many clubs have commented on the warm welcome they received when visiting Stair Park. Others have noted Shaun’s ‘ground collecting’ adventures, with over 500 football grounds visited as of the new year, and many good friends made along the way.

We hope this collection of tributes will bring comfort to those who knew and loved Shaun.

Organisations

Clubs

Shaun representing Stranraer FC in a charity match at Stair Park, 2009

Players and staff

Playing for his beloved Blues in a charity match at Stair Park, 2009

Media

Shaun and Allan Jenkins on commentary duty for Stranraer FC LIVE, April 2021

Supporters

Shaun signs the guest book at Stranraer Museum, 2021

Other tributes

News articles

From the archive