Nielsen, Leif

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.

"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."

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

Honours

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

Pictures

• Player Pics

Media

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Links

• Profile @bkfrem.dk
• Profile @DBU.dk