Shaw: John

1971-1974 (Player Details)

Goalkeeper

Born: Stirling: 04-02-1954

Debut v Lierse SK (h): 29-09-1971

6’1” 13st 7lb (1971)

Shaw joined Leeds as an apprentice and turned professional in February 1971. His only appearances for United were in European ties, and he was substituted in both. With United holding a 2-0 first leg lead from the away leg in their First Round UEFA Cup-tie against the Belgian side Lierse SK, Manager Don Revie fielded a string of Reserves in the return Leg at Elland Road. Leeds crashed 4-0 and Shaw was replaced by Gary Sprake at half-time with United already trailling by 3-0. Two years later Shaw figured in a dramatic match at Hibernian, keeping a clean-sheet until he was injured and replaced by Glan Letheran at half-time. Shaw left United for Bristol City on a free-transfer in May 1974 and gave the Ashton Gate club tremendous service, making two hundred and ninety-five League appearances, and three hundred and fifty-seven in all matches, despite having to wait two years for his debut. He was Ciy’s regular keeper throughout their four season stay in the First Division and Jimmy Mann and Norman Hunter soon joined him at Ashton Gate. He was there through the not so good times too, as City suffered consecutive relegations. They dropped from Division One in 1979-80, then Division Two in 1980-81 and then Division Three in 1981-82. However, he was not the regular keeper in the latter two. He was back as regular keeper for his last three seasons with City including their promotion year of 1983-84. He moved to Exeter City in July 1985 and he made one hundred and nine League appearances for them in his three years at St James’. During the latter part of his career he suffered severe hair loss through a nervous complaint originally brought on by the financial uncertainty at Bristol City in 1982, when eight City players cancelled their long term contracts to save the club from extinction. After leaving Exeter he played with Gloucester City until 1989. He became a wallpaperer and decorator after retiring from football.