GRAHAM SHAW, a former professional footballer with over 300 career appearances, has secured a seat on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council following Thursday’s local elections.
The 58-year-old stood for ‘s Party.
Graham Shaw scored 72 goals during his career Credit: Facebook
Although Shaw never managed to play in the north-east, he was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The former striker played for in the 1980s before spells with Preston, Plymouth and Rochdale followed.
Shaw told the that residents he encountered while canvassing appeared ready to “give him a chance” due to becoming disillusioned with the current state of politics.
Although there are a few councils to go in the , Reform has gained 1,442 seats in English councils so far, up from just two in 2022.
It has also emerged as the second largest party in Wales and joint second in Scotland to become the dominant party in the country.
Shaw’s pivot to politics has only recently taken force. He originally considered becoming a coach or an executive in , with a return to Port Vale mooted.
Instead, he went to Staffordshire University and studied criminal law.
With the help of the PFA’s education fund, he passed his final exams to become a fully qualified criminal lawyer and after five years practising in Stoke, he returned to Newcastle.
He scored 72 goals in his career with 26 of those coming at Stoke in England‘s second tier.
The most prolific part of his career came with Preston in the third division, where he netted 42 goals in 144 games.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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