Paul Shardlow
# Paul Shardlow

Paul Michael Shardlow (29 April 1943 – 14 October 1968) was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Stoke City. He also played cricket for Staffordshire.

## Career

### Football career

Shardlow was born in Stone, Staffordshire and began his career with Northwich Victoria before joining Stoke City in 1966 as understudy to John Farmer and Gordon Banks. He played twice for Stoke towards the end of 1966–67 and played twice again in 1967–68. Shardlow also spent two seasons in the NASL with the Cleveland Stokers. He was put in the reserves for the 1968–69 season before his death on 14 October 1968 at the age of 25.

### Cricket career

Shardlow played cricket for Staffordshire as a wicket-keeper in the Minor Counties Championship between 1960 and 1966.

## Death

Shardlow died on 14 October 1968 of a heart attack while on a training ground, at the age of 25. He was survived by his father, the cricketer Bertie Shardlow.

## Career statistics

| Club | Season | Division | League | League | FA Cup | FA Cup | League Cup | League Cup | Total | Total |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Stoke City | 1966–67 | First Division | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Stoke City | 1967–68 | First Division | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Cleveland Stokers (loan) | 1967 | United Soccer Association | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 4 | 0 |
| Cleveland Stokers (loan) | 1968 | North American Soccer League | 32 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 32 | 0 |
| Career Total | Career Total | Career Total | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 0 |
