Kakhaber The Great
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 7 Jan 2018
- Messages
- 1,761
- Location
- Solway Firth, Cumbria
- Team supported
- The Holocaust Pollock
Yep, City till he died. RIP, Mr. Niven.
RIP Ian97 years a Blue.
RIP Ian.
The Royal Scot in Marple Bridge. Previously at the Fletchers Arms in Denton.Did he have a pub in Marple ?
I didn't know him but certainly knew of him. I was just reading Andy Buckley's 'Blue Moon Rising' a few days ago, which covers the end of the Swales era and Lee takeover and talked about him.
He was a huge Blue, born in Moss Side and, as someone said, was a buyer for a metalworking company. I believe they were a wire manufacturer.
He fell out with the landlord of his local in Denton, so bought the Fletchers Arms to compete with him. He became a City director and was one of Swales' loyal lieutenants for the most part but he played a crucial role in Swales' eventual downfall. He was instrumental in setting up the Junior Blues, which ensured we had a hardcore of young supporters through the lean years. I wish the current management had his insight.
When Franny was trying to oust Swales, PJS's last trick was to stand down as chairman and appoint Mike McDonald, another City-supporting businessman, in his place. He had a meeting at his house at which six other directors were present, with two missing.
He expected to get backing for McDonald's appointment as he thought Freddie Pyle, Chris Muir & Niven would automatically support him. But Niven had been talking to Colin Barlow and decided Swales' time was up. So he (and three others) voted against, leaving Swales in the minority. McDonald wouldn't come unless the board were unanimous so withdrew, leaving Swales with no option but to sell to Franny.
RIP Ian, a crucial figure in our boardroom and history, and condolences to the family.