Club historian Rob Mason introduces the final two inductees of Sunderland AFC's inaugural Hall of Fame dinner.
Len Shackleton and John Auld are the final two inductees at SAFC's inaugural Hall of Fame dinner, which takes place at the Stadium of Light on Friday 14 June.
Shackleton is a legendary figure, the brightest star in the ‘Bank of England Team’ of the fifties and renowned as ‘The Clown Prince of Soccer.’ Auld is the least known of the 11 inductees, but warrants his inclusion in this most prestigious gathering of red and white royalty as much as anyone.
Auld captained the first-ever title-winning team of 1892, being the first skipper of ‘The Team of All The Talents’. Later during World War One when the football club were threatened with going out of business due to financial problems, Auld stepped forward as a guarantor of the club, helping to preserve its existence.
By then Auld was a wealthy man who had become a director of Newcastle United. As a player, the Scotland international had joined Sunderland prior to the club joining the Football League.
He went on to play regularly as Sunderland became league champions in 1892 and 1893, and was still around to appear a handful of times as a third championship was secured in 1895. In that same season, Auld was part of the Sunderland side who became World Champions by beating Hearts in Edinburgh.
John Auld’s grandson, Robin, will receive the induction at the dinner, as will Len Shackleton’s son, Roger. ‘Shack’ was a player of incredible talent, a maverick who thrilled the crowds but one who never conformed – so much so that despite scoring a brilliant individual goal in a win over reigning World Champions West Germany in 1954, it proved to be the last of his England appearances.
Shack and John Auld complete the eleven initial inductees at the Hall of Fame dinner. This will be a unique occasion that brings together five living legends along with the descendants of six of the greatest names in the club’s early history.
It is hoped that Player of the Century Charlie Hurley will join record appearance makers Jim Montgomery and Len Ashurst, FA Cup-winning captain Bobby Kerr and Niall Quinn. They will be accompanied by direct descendants of record goal-scorers Bobby Gurney and Charlie Buchan, club founder James Allan and star of the thirties Raich Carter.
Hosted by BBC TV presenter Jeff Brown, the inaugural Hall of Fame dinner is set to be an unrepeatable special occasion as a host of the greatest names in the club’s history assemble for the only time.
To take your place alongside Red & White royalty at the first Hall of Fame dinner, please contact the commercial team on 0371 911 1555 or email commercial@safc.com.
Tickets cost £75 +VAT.