Jamie Shackleton has told Leeds United’s official podcast that he is “buzzing” Sam Byram is back at Elland Road – having “idolised” the signing during Byram’s first spell after coming through the academy.
Byram, 29, is back at Leeds – seven and a half years after leaving Elland Road to go and join West Ham. Injury hampered the last few years of his career – playing just 98 times in between Elland Road spells.
Meanwhile, Shackleton has returned to Leeds after a year on loan at Millwall. With the odds seemingly stacked against him, he has broke back into the side – starring for the Whites in numerous positions.
So, Byram was one of nine new signings and Shackleton is rivalling him to play at full-back under Daniel Farke. The versatile ace says he is buzzing that Byram has signed – recalling how he used to ball boy.
“When I was in the academy, Sam Byram. When he came back, I was buzzing. Oh my god. I used to watch him every week when I was ball-boying. Used to chuck him the ball, he won’t remember me.
“Yeah he’s good [he’s taken me under his wing]. Honestly I’m buzzing we’re teammates now – it seems nuts to me. When I was 11, 12, I was on the sidelines idolising him. He did everything I wanted to do.”
Jamie Shackleton buzzing Sam Byram is back at Leeds United
Shackleton has arguably been our Player of the Season so far. Numerous positions, but still producing a very high standard – in what has been a bit of a surprise. Ethan Ampadu has been absolutely superb.
Archie Gray, Pascal Struijk, Illan Meslier and Luke Ayling deserve notable mentions but Shackleton is right up there. It will be interesting to see if he retains his place when Byram, and Junior Firpo, are back.
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