Career
McNiven signed for Sam Ellis" in February 1983. He made his debut on the 26th of that month, scoring the only goal in a victory over Rochdale at Bloomfield Road. He started every subsequent game in the 1982-1983 campaign, scoring four more goals as the Seasiders finished fourth-bottom of Division 4 and had to seek reelection.
The following 1983-1984 season saw McNiven make 32 League appearances and score six goals.
At the end of the season, he moved across the Pennines to join Halifax Town.