The brilliant archive photos of former Sunderland legend Len Shackleton that fans will love
On this day in 1948, Len Shackleton made his Sunderland AFC debut after signing from Newcastle United.
‘Shack’ was one of a number of a squad full of big-name players signed by the club for a total outlay of around £250,00, which earned Sunderland the nickname of the 'Bank of England' club, he went on to net 100 goals.
Nicknamed the ‘Clown Prince of Soccer’, Shackleton once famously stated: “I've no bias against Newcastle – I don't care who beats them!”
2. August 4, 1938
At the time just 16-years-old Arsenal apprentice and England International Schoolboy inside left, Leonard Shackleton. Shackleton works on the pitch at Highbury as part of his apprenticeship.
Photo: H. F. Davis
4. 1949
A portrait of Len Shackleton before Sunderland played Arsenal at Highbury in 1949.
Photo: Hulton Archive