Shaun Niven

The Chairman and Directors of Forfar Athletic were stunned this morning to learn of the untimely sudden death at the age of only 52 of Stranraer Chairman Shaun Niven.

Shaun who had been a Stranraer supporter since boyhood had been actively involved with the Stair Park club since his teenage years culminating in his elevation to the Chairman post last year.

He was unable to attend our game with Stranraer ten days back, an unusual state of affairs as he felt unwell on the Saturday morning, but no one foresaw this outcome and he had been in fact in touch with a couple of our club officials last midweek.

He was a real football person, not only following his hometown club on their extensive travels throughout Scotland but travelling throughout the UK to watch football at all levels.

He was also an avid follower of the national team.

His keen interest in the Wigtownshire club continued unabated despite work commitments which saw him based in the Glasgow area for many years.

Shaun was a respected and highly likeable figure throughout the Scottish game, no more so than at Station Park where he was always a very welcome visitor and where he had forged many lifelong friendships with ‘Loons’ officials past and present.

At this so sad time, the sympathy of all at Station Park who knew Shaun from the Chairman to the Kitman is with his father and mother, his family members and friends and all involved at Stranraer Football Club who will be grieving today.

Our thoughts are with them.