Born in Bury, Lancashire, Joe Shaw's football journey began with his home club, Bury. This was followed by a move to Accrington Stanley, where he helped them win the Lancashire Combination, which was a football league founded in the North West of England in 1891–92. It was later in 1907 that Shaw joined Woolwich Arsenal. Little did he know that this would be the beginning of a wonderful 49 year chapter.
Playing career at Arsenal
Shaw made his Arsenal debut against Preston North End on 28th September 1907. He soon managed to establish himself as a regular in the Arsenal side, becoming their first-choice left back for the next seven seasons.
This was a time when Arsenal had shown early promise since their promotion to the First Division in 1904, with two successive FA Cup semi-final appearances in the seasons before Shaw's arrival. However, they failed to keep up those rising standards and eventually faded.
After finishing 6th in the 1908-09 season. Arsenal were on a downward spiral in the years that followed. Their worst fears came alive in the 1912-13 season, as they became relegated.
Despite this downfall, Shaw was loyal to Arsenal and stayed with the club. Arsenal had moved across London to Highbury by this time as well. As for Shaw, the Englishman was an ever-present figure in the 1914-15 season. However, first-class football was soon suspended due to World War I.
Shaw continued to take part in unofficial wartime matches, and by the time competitive football had resumed, he had now become a right back.
The year of 1919 saw Shaw become Arsenal's new captain, as he replaced the recently departed Percy Sands. Arsenal were back to the First Division by this time, and Shaw remained an influential figure at the age of 38.
On 23th April 1921, Shaw made his 300th Appearance for Arsenal against Newcastle United, becoming the third player in the club's history to do so, after Percy Sands and Roddy McEachrane. He retired in 1922 after 15 years with Arsenal, making a total of 326 appearances.
Post-playing career
Shaw continued his partnership with Arsenal even after retiring as a player. He initially became a coach, and then took the role of Arsenal's reserve side manager.
After the unfortunate death of Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman in January 1934, Shaw became caretaker manager of the first team for the rest of the season. He continued the good work left behind by Chapman, and made history as Arsenal won the 1933-34 League title, the third title in the club's history.
George Allison was soon appointed as Arsenal's permanent first-team manager in the summer, which saw Shaw go back to his post as reserves manager. Shaw remained at Arsenal through the rest of the 1930s era and even during the Second World War. Once the war concluded, he took up the role of coach at Chelsea. This tenure at Chelsea lasted for 2 years from 1945 till 1947.
Shaw would later serve as club ambassador for Arsenal and fully ended his footballing days in 1956. Thus, his fairytale story with Arsenal finally came to an end after 49 years. He died 7 years later in 1963, at the age of 80.
Legacy
While Shaw's name won't be there in the list of Arsenal's greatest ever players, his loyalty, contribution, and love for the club will always see him be one of the most influential players in their history. A lot of legendary names will be glowing in Arsenal's history books, and Shaw is bound to be one of them.
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