McNiven leaves!

David McNiven
By Matt Lawton
July 2 2004

Leigh RMI manager Phil Starbuck has been dealt a massive blow in his preparations for the new season with the departure of last season's top scorer, 26 year old star striker David McNiven.

McNiven, who scored 26 goals for RMI last season, was offered a new deal at Hilton Park but after weeks of negotiations has decided to join Scottish First Division outfit Queen of the South on a 12 month contract.

The Leeds-born striker held talks with Conference rivals Carlisle United and Stevenage Borough, along with League Two side Shrewsbury Town but, despite late interest from League One side Blackpool, decided to return to Scotland, where he enjoyed a spell with Hamilton Academicals, to sign for Queens.

Because of McNiven's failure to sign a new contract, this meant that he was officially classed as a free agent after touring Europe and the U.S.A. with the Conference Select Side, meaning that no fee is involved in his transfer north, something which is sure to hugely disappoint RMI's bank manager when you consider that McNiven could've commanded a large transfer fee had he been under contract.

This leaves Starbuck to scour for a new frontman to replace McNiven, despite the signing earlier this week of 19 year old striker Craig Mitchell from Mansfield Town.

Good luck north of the border Nivvo.