Nielsen, Leif

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Personal

Fullname: Leif Bernhard Nielsen
aka: Leif Nielsen
Born: 28 May 1942
Birthplace: Valby
Signed: 31 March 1972
Position: Goalkeeper
Internationals
: Denmark
International Caps: 28
International Goals: 0

Biog

Danish goalie, one of many brought in by Jock Stein in his quest to replace Ronnie Simpson.

He had begun his career with BK Frem and was the Danish number 1 for the 1964 European Championships. He decided to move to the North American Soccer League in 1968, which meant the axe from the Denmark team due to their strict rules on amateurism.

His franchise, 'the Houston Stars,' folded after one season and Leif headed to Greenock to join the improbable contingent of Danish internationals at 1960s Morton.

It was something of a surprise when Celtic took a chance on him in March 1972, albeit he departed that summer without breaking through.
The Glasgow Herald at the time [http://goo.gl/O4mD ]said,

"Yesterday Celtic signed a goalkeeper, Leif Nielsen, the former Danish Internationalist and played him in the reserve match against Dunfermline Athletic at Parkhead. the visitors won the game 2-1.

Neilsen has been out of football for 18 months since a cartilage operation while he was with Morton. This season he has been in dispute with the Greenock club, and earlier this week, after legal discussions, hisregistrationwith Morton was cancelled."

It seemsTom Lallymade the reverse journey at about the same time.

Leif repaired to his native Denmark and coached 'Hero' for four years, then Bronshoj for two years (1978 & 1979), then Oelstykke.

The irrepressible Nielsen suffered a blow when charging about for BK Frem's 'old boys' team at age 44. He broke his leg then had a heart attack when the cast was applied too tightly. Undaunted, he battled back to health but conceded his playing days were behind him.

Playing Career

League Appearances League Goals
1961 BK Frem 22 0
1962 BK Frem 7 0
1963 BK Frem 22 0
1964 BK Frem 21 0
1965 BK Frem 22 0
1966 BK Frem 22 0
1967 BK Frem 21 0
1968 Houston Stars 30 0
1968/69 Morton 14 0
1969/70 Morton 33 0
1970/71 Morton 7 0
1971/72 Morton 0 0
Celtic 0 0

Honours

Denmark 28 caps
Denmark U21 1 cap
Denmark U19 2 caps
Denmark Player of the Year 1966

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