On this day in 1922, 101 years ago, the great Len Shackleton was born in Bradford. Over his mighty 348 league appearances for the Black Cats, the 'Clown Prince of Football' racked up 100 goals - only one of them a penalty - and cemented his place as one of the top players of the 40s and 50s.
A true master of his craft, the start of his career was not quite as smooth as he turned out to be on the pitch. After a spell at Bradford Park Avenue, and a loan at Kippax United, he was released from Arsenal's books after being told he was 'too small' to play the beautiful game. During the Second World War, when he worked assembling aircraft radios, he played 209 times in various competitions and knocked in 171 goals, and went pro with Bradford Park Avenue, scoring 4 goals in his 7 Second Division appearances.
Due to heckling from Bradford's fans, who did not enjoy his individualist play, he signed for the Mags in 1946. How desperate must he have been! He scored six times on his debut, but fairly soon fell out with the club’s directors.