STRANRAER FC have announced the death of their chairman, Shaun Niven, aged just 52. 

Niven took the chairman’s role last May following the resignation of Iain Dougan and has also served as a match secretary. 

A statement from the league two club’s vice-chairman Robert H Rice said: “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.” 

Tributes have been pouring in from clubs around Scotland

Livingston FC posted a statement saying: “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.”

League Two rivals Stenhousemuir FC released a statement saying: “Such tragic news to hear this morning. 

“Shaun was very much loved across the league and Scottish football.”

And an SPFL spokesman added: “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 thoughts of everyone at the SPFL are with Shaun’s family and friends and our colleagues at Stair Park.”

Brechin City also paid tribute via a statement saying: "Everyone at the club was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Stranraer chairman Shaun Niven.

"Shaun was a great friend to all of us at Brechin City over the years and our thoughts are with his family, friends and all at Stranraer FC at this time."

The Scottish FA also paid tribute, saying: "Everyone at the Scottish FA sends their most sincere condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of Stranraer FC chairman Shaun Niven following his sudden passing.

"Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time."