David got a pass that set up his career – for the bus!
Football clubs are always on the lookout for the stars of the future.
Top English sides now have scouting networks that scour the globe for young talent.
They often tempt raw recruits to join them by offering eye-watering amounts of cash.
It’s not unheard of for a new house to be part of the signing- on package, allowing an entire family to relocate.
Things were very different when David Mcniven moved from Scotland to Leeds United 50 years ago.
He was delighted when England’s second-top team gave him a bus pass!
David’s name first came to prominence in his home country when he starred for the Scotland Schoolboys side in May, 1971.
He scored in a 1- 1 draw with Wales at Tynecastle, and the 2-1 victory against Northern Ireland at East End Park.
The young Scots needed just a draw against England at Maine Road to take the Victory Shield, but lost 3-1.
Playing for his country was a source of great pride for David. But his impressive performances didn’t alter his footballing future – that was already decided.
He recalled: “I had been going down to Leeds from my home in Stonehouse since I was 13.
“I always wanted to play football in England. I never had the Celtic-rangers mentality.
“Even at a young age, I felt my career would be more likely to progress if I went down south.
“Playing for my country was a huge thing for me and it never leaves you.
“I’ve still got the blazer badge we were given. I later got to play for the Under-21 side.
“Not many of us from the schoolboys went on to have professional careers.
“George Burley was in the squad, but didn’t play. I met up with him a few times after he joined Ipswich Town.
“I’d been to West Brom and Liverpool, but Leeds were the team I really identified with.
“There was a contingent of about 20 Scots at Elland Road when I arrived.
“The digs I was in were pretty horrible, but that was all part of the toughening-up process.
“As an apprentice, I got £4.43 a week. £2 was put into a bank account that you couldn’t touch.
“They paid for your digs, but I had to take two buses to get to the ground for training.
“It was a boost when the club decided they would give us a bus pass.
“I can’t imagine today’s young players getting too excited about that!”
David’s father, John, was a well-known referee and linesman, and his uncle Tom served Third Lanark, Hibs and Scotland as trainer.
David made his first-team debut in 1976 in a League Cup tie against Notts County.
He said: “I then had to wait another six months before I played my first league match.
“I came on as a substitute against Manchester City and scored.”
He became known as “Super Sub” at Elland Road. That tag can be both a blessing and curse.
David went on: “It was difficult to get into the team ahead of Allan Clarke and Joe Jordan.
“Fans remember me coming on and scoring an equaliser against Liverpool.
“It wasn’t easy to be an impact player as it was at the time when there was only one substitute, and squad rotation didn’t happen.
“I decided to leave for Bradford City in 1978 because I wanted to get a regular game.”
He hit 64 league goals for the Bantams over a five-year spell before two seasons at Blackpool.
A time playing indoor football in the USA with Pittsburgh Spirit was a different experience.
Now 65, David retired after stints at Halifax and Morecambe. He worked for many years in the motor trade.
His twin sons, David and Scott, both had careers in professional football.
It’s half- a- century since he was playing against England, but the rivalry remains.
He said: “I play golf at St Anne’s Old Links, where, with my friend Ewen Mackenzie, the banter continues with our English opponents.”