A new system with clubs deducted points depending on their transfer expenditure would help level the playing field
It is safe to suggest without the slightest fear of contradiction that the first thing that went through Jack Grealish’s mind following his extravagant transfer this month was a dream of Len Shackleton. Hailed as an entertaining trickster in the old school style, Jack has just a little bit of Shack about him and, if he makes his Premier League debut for City at Tottenham on Sunday, he will be aiming to make the sort of first impression that the so-called “Clown Prince of Soccer” did back in 1946.
After joining Newcastle for what was the second-highest fee paid by an English club – £13,000 – Shackleton inspired his team to a statement victory on his first start: 13-0 against Newport County, with Shackleton scoring six times, including a hat-trick in under three minutes and, for his final goal, an improvised finish with his arse, just for kicks.