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'The Crown
Prince' Len Shackleton Dies
Star of
Sunderland and England, Len Shackleton died yesterday, 28
November, at the age of 78. Not strictly part of this
site as he turned to journalism after his football career
ended in 1957 - but his legendary status was assured for
those of us who knew only the stories of this great
player when he wrote a biography - 'The Crown Prince of
Soccer', in which he had a chapter entitled, 'The Average
Director's Knowlege of Football'. After the title the
page was left completely blank !
Len was
born down the road from me in Bradford in 1923 and his
career was interrupted by the 2nd World War. Prior to the
war he was on Arsenal's books, but after the return to
peace he made his League debut for Bradford Park Avenue.
Len then moved on to Newcastle United and ultimately
Sunderland, where he earned his legendary status. At
Sunderland he played 320 games and scored 98 goals.
As a Leeds
United fan, my first memories of Len are the clips of his
career shown when Leeds faced Sunderland in the 1972 FA
Cup Final. Then,15 years after his career had ended, it
struck me how highly held he was in the affections of the
Sunderland followers. I feel certain that this is an
affection that will endure, as Len is truely a part of
Sunderland's history.
Len leaves
a wife Majorie.
See The Official Site Of Sunderland
AFC and BBC SPORT FOOTBALL Len
Shackleton Clown Prince
No.1
George Armstrong Dies.
This whole site was
originally based on a Soccer Stamps book from the 1970-71
season. Well on 1st November the soccer star that opened
the collection, George Armstrong of Arsenal
very sadly died. George was still at Arsenal in the role
of reserve team coach and was taken to hospital after
collapsing on the training ground. 70-71 was Arsenal's
double winning team, of which Geroge was an essential
member being an ever-present in the League scoring 7
goals, and a member of the Cup Final team.
In an increadible
sixteen year playing career at Arsenal (1961-77), George
went on to set their League appearances record playing
500 games and even today only David O'Leary has played
more. After this he clocked up another 49 League games at
Leicester and Stockport County. George had been coach at
Arsenal for ten years having previously coached Aston
Villa, Fulham, Middlesbrough and in Norway and Kuwait.
As the opening star of
the album he was also an ever-present in my family games
as a child, and to this day is recalled as 'Geroge
Legweak' - because that's how my brother's mind works.
Condolances to George's
wife, Majorie, daughter and son.
BBC SPORT reports :
George Graham, now in
charge at Spurs, said he was "devastated" by
the death of the man known as "Geordie".
"It is extremely sad and a terrible shock," he
said. "He was such a thorough professional and a
great help to me at Arsenal. As soon as I knew he was
available when he was out in the Middle East I jumped at
the chance to bring him back."
Frank McLintock, captain of the double-winning side,
said: "This has shattered me because I can honestly
not remember George having a day's illness all the time I
knew him.
"If he ever had to miss an Arsenal game through
injury he was absolutely heartbroken. He lived for the
game but he was also a great family man as well."
See :
BBC SPORT ARSENAL Arsenal legend
Armstrong dies
ESPN.com Soccernet England News
- Arsenal's wing wizard George Armstrong dies
Guardian Unlimited The Guardian
Obituary George Armstrong
See more November 2000
news at the following ...
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