On this Day – 5th October
Len Shackleton had a debut to remember for Newcastle United on this day back in 1946, scoring six goals in The Magpies 13-0 victory over Newport County.
Shackleton, dubbed the “Crown Prince of Soccer” had recently joined Newcastle from fellow Second Division side Bradford Park Avenue in a deal worth £13,000. The outside-forward started the match at home to Newport and had a dream debut in front of 52,137 fans at St James’s Park as United ran riot.
Amazingly, Shackleton only stayed at Newcastle for 14 months before moving to bitter rivals Sunderland for £20,500. The transfer fee was the record transfer fee at the time but some at Newcastle were glad to see the back of him.
Shackleton had a number of run-ins with the Newcastle United board did not go down well and when Sunderland came in and offered the money, the powers that be were quick to send their star man off to Roker Park.
Shackleton was one of the sport’s real characters of the time and was revered by all the fans who watched him play.
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