The brilliant forward was born in Bradford, and after being turned down at Arsenal, played for Bradford Park Avenue during and after the war (when he worked as a Bevin boy). He soon attracted notice as a master of ball control and frequent scorer. He signed for Newcastle in 1946 for the huge sum of £13,000 and in his first game, against Newport County, scored six goals. He soon transferred to Sunderland, where he adorned the 'Bank of England' team until his retirement in 1957-58. A huge favourite with crowds everywhere, he could be relied upon to do the unexpected - playing one-twos with the corner-flag, combing his hair during the game, sitting on the ball, or dribbling it past a panting defence, then pausing on the line to invite the opposition to approach. His irreverent attitude to authority meant that he gained only five England caps.
His finest hour came against World Cup winners Germany in 1954. Several regulars had withdrawn from the England side, forcing the selectors to choose a brilliant side of ball-players. Shackleton was the star and scored a beautiful chipped goal. It was his last game for England. Shackleton played 384 league games and scored 126 goals.