‘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!”
1. 1954
'Shack' in action for Sunderland in 1954. Photo: Hulton Archive
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
3. 1955
'The Clown Prince of Soccer' in action for Sunderland. Photo: Hulton Archive
4. 1949
A portrait of Len Shackleton before Sunderland played Arsenal at Highbury in 1949. Photo: Hulton Archive