Tributes paid to Stranraer FC Chairman

Tributes have been paid to Shaun Niven following the death of the Stranraer chairman at the age of 52.

The cinch League Two club said they were "shocked and saddened" by the death of their "much-loved" chairman.

Vice-chairman Robert Rice added: "Shaun was a devoted football man and a great friend to all at Stair Park.

"Our thoughts are with Shaun's family and friends at this awful time."

Manager Stevie Farrell wrote on Twitter: "Rest in Peace and God Bless to you Shaun. You have left behind nothing but good and happy memories for a lot of people."

Clubs from all across the divisions sent their condolences to Stranraer and Niven's family.

Livingston wrote on Twitter: "Shaun was a brilliant guy - he just 'got' Scottish football and what it meant to so many. An incredibly helpful and approachable man. A real, sad loss."

Hamilton added: "Shaun was a popular figure throughout Scottish football and dedicated to his duties at Stranraer."

Stenhousemuir said: "Shaun was very much loved across the league and Scottish football."

Dunfermline chairman Ross McArthur passed on the Fife club's deepest condolences.

McArthur added on his club's website: "During our time together in League One, we got (to) know Shaun well and he was one of the friendliest and most straightforward people you could meet.

"Always happy to help in any way that he could, and the presentation he and his close friend, Iain Dougan made to me at Stair Park after DAFC were crowned champions was a touch of class.

"RIP Shaun you will be sorely missed by a very many people in Scottish football."

Forfar's board declared themselves "stunned" by the news and posted a lengthy tribute on social media.

They wrote: "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 10 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."

A statement from the Scottish Professional Football League read: "Extremely sad news. Shaun was a very popular figure in the game who was dedicated to his club and loved football in general - he will be much missed."

The Scottish Football Association sent its "most sincere condolences" to his "friends, family and loved ones".