| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John Govan | ||
| Date of birth | 16 January 1923 | ||
| Place of birth | Larkhall, Scotland | ||
| Date of death | 17 February 1999 (aged 76) | ||
| Place of death | Leith, Scotland | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[1] | ||
| Position(s) | Full back | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –1941 | Larkhall Thistle | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1941–1954 | Hibernian | 163 | (0) |
| 1954–1955 | Ayr United | 7 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 1947–1948 | Scotland | 6 | (0) |
| 1948–1952 | Scottish League XI | 2 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
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]