John Govan (16 January 1923 – 17 February 1999) was a Scottish footballer, who played for Hibernian and Ayr United. ^[2] Govan, who was a key part of the successful post-war Hibs side, was capped six times by Scotland. ^[3]

Govan grew up in Larkhall, a Lanarkshire town noted for its support of Rangers. ^[3] He played for the local junior club Larkhall Thistle until he was signed by Hibernian in 1941. ^[3] This move upset the people in Larkhall, who burned his Hibs training kit. ^[3] Govan was a full-back, but had an attacking style that was ahead of its time. ^[3]

Govan broke into the Hibs first team in 1943, eventually forming a partnership with Davie Shaw. ^[3] This partnership formed the basis of Hibs success after the Second World War, as they won the league championship in 1948. ^[3] Although Shaw was eventually replaced due to age and injury, Govan continued to enjoy success with Hibs, winning the league again in 1951 and 1952. ^[3] He was transferred to Ayr United in 1954, where he finished his playing career. ^[3]

After retiring as a football player, Govan worked as a mining engineer and played lawn bowls in Midlothian. ^[3] He died in Leith on 17 February 1999, at the age of 76, and was survived by his wife and two children. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

References

• Jeffrey, Jim (2005). The Men Who Made Hibernian F.C. since 1946. Tempus Publishing Ltd. ISBN  0-7524-3091-2.
• Smith, Paul (2013). Scotland Who's Who. Pitch Publishing. ISBN  9781909178847.

External links

• Jock Govan at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Transfer Database
• Jock Govan at the Scottish Football Association
• Jock Govan, www.ihibs.co.uk