Manchester City are deeply saddened to hear that Mr Ian Niven MBE has passed away at the age of 97.
Niven, one of the club’s honorary presidents, was a lifelong Manchester City supporter and part of a proud six-generation City-supporting family.
He leaves behind his son Ian, grandchildren Karen and Ian and their partners Kieran and Gosia. Also grandchildren Michael and Ian and their partners Georgette and Helen, son-in-law Peter and great-grandchildren Mia, Lily, Jace, Ava, Eleanor and James. Unfortunately, his daughter Olivia died in 2013, and daughter-in-law Ann died earlier this year.
Sgt Niven was a member of the Long Range Penetration Group, also known as the Chindits, who trained in India and fought in Burma during World War II.
Chindits were a special force that embarked on treacherous missions over extremely difficult terrain, often with a lack of rations and water and afflicted with diseases such as malaria and dysentery.
A member of the 77th Brigade of the First Battalion Lancashire Fusilier under ‘Mad’ Mike Calvert, Ian was a signalman attached to Major Monteith’s company.
He flew into ‘Broadway’ near Dakota on March 6, 1944. He fought at both ‘White City’ and Mogaung.
Sir. Niven said of his time in Mogaung: “I looked around at the devastation. I was completely pissed. I asked myself all the obvious questions: ‘What happens then? Do I want to live?’ After the fight I got so sick that I could hardly walk. We were then told to go to Shadazup. Somehow I made that march. I said to myself, ‘If you can get there, you can live. “I was determined to see my mother again.”
After the war, Ian spent nearly 20 years working on Richard Johnson and Nephew’s wire mill in Bradford, East Manchester.
He joined Manchester City’s board in 1971 and remained until 1995, working selflessly throughout and providing much-needed stability during the transition between the presidency of Peter Swales and Francis Lee.
During that time, he oversaw the development of Maine Road and identified the need for City to own their training ground, thus creating the first academy in the country.
He was also a key architect in founding the Junior Blues initiative.
Ian was awarded an MBE for his services to the community, particularly his work in Moss Side.
He regularly participated in City matches until quite recently and was there for his beloved team to play in their first Champions League final earlier this year.
As a sign of respect and in recognition of Mr Niven’s contribution to Manchester City, the flags at the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy will be waved at half mast in his honor.
Everyone in Manchester City would like to send their condolences to Ian’s family and friends during this difficult time.
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