‘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!”
10. 1948
Len Shackleton signs for Sunderland at St James Park, Newcastle February 1948. On the far right is Bill Murray - manager. Left is Colonel Prior - Sunderland chairman Photo: JPIMedia
11. 1955
Sunderland players (from left) Billy Bingham, Billy Elliott, Charlie Fleming and Len Shackleton train at Roker Park ahead of their FA Cup semi final with Manchester City. Photo: Sunderland Echo
12. 1955
Sunderland train for a tie with Wolves in the FA Cup tie March 1955. The Echo's picture caption back then read: "Stamina building work on the Fulwell end terraces claims the attention of Ken Chisholm, Ted Purdon and Len Shackleton." Photo: Sunderland Echo