George Niven

George Niven was a Scottish footballer who played during the 1950s and 1960s as a goalkeeper for Rangers and Partick Thistle.

Career

Club

Niven was signed to Rangers from Scottish [Junior Football Association|junior] side Coupar Angus in 1951 by manager Bill Struth. He made his debut against Aberdeen on 19 April 1952 in the final league match of the season, which finished 1–1. He spent over ten years at Ibrox and won five list of [Scottish football champions|league championships], two Scottish Cups, one League Cup, four Glasgow Cups and three Charity Cups. He made 327 appearances in total for the club.
In February 1962 he joined Partick Thistle. Whilst in Maryhill he would make a total of 232 first class appearances and become an ever present in the Jags goal. He never missed a league match in three separate seasons: 1962–63, 1963–64 and 1967–68.
He lost his place as number one when old rival from Rangers, Billy Ritchie, joined Thistle. After not featuring in the first team all season, he left in the summer of 1969. Niven retired from playing shortly after this.

International

Niven never played for the Scotland national football team. It is understood that he has played the most games for Rangers of any Scottish player who has not been capped by Scotland. Niven was selected twice for Scotland, but had to withdraw each time due to injury and was replaced by Frank Haffey. He did, however, represent the Scottish League XI seven times.

Death

Niven died on 17 July 2008, aged 79.