Barnet have announced the signing of former Burton Albion central midfielder Mark Shelton after he left Oldham Athletic by mutual consent earlier today.
Shelton started his career at Burton, though he never made a first-team appearance for the Brewers. He then joined Ilkeston at the start of the 2016/17 season before quickly moving to National League North side Alfreton Town where he made 22 appearances and scored two goals.
In the summer of 2017, Shelton was signed by Salford City for an undisclosed fee. He made 47 appearances for the Greater Manchester club as their ambitious project saw them get promoted from the National League North and National League in consecutive seasons.
The 27-year-old struggled for game time when the Ammies reached the EFL and the 2019/20 season saw him go on a short-lived loan to Woking before heading to Hartlepool United for the remainder of the season.
Shelton managed three goals in 14 appearances for the Pools which led to them signing him permanently in the summer of 2020. The box-to-box midfielder had a successful time in Durham as he made 111 appearances and scored nine goals for the side that Jeff Stelling famously supports as they were promoted from the fifth tier in 2021.
A free-spending Oldham Athletic side secured Shelton’s signature in January 2023 but his career has somewhat stalled since joining the Latics. The Englishman made just 15 appearances last season and fell out of favour at the former Premier League club.
Barnet, meanwhile, enjoyed a successful campaign which saw them finish in second place and reach the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy. Now, Shelton will ply his trade with the Bees in London next season.
Writer’s View
This signing is certainly a risk for Barnet due to Shelton’s recent form. However, head coach Dean Brennan has admitted that he has “greatly admired” his new signing for a long time and his track record of improving players whilst being in North London is excellent.
The centre of the park was certainly an area in which Barnet were weak and Shelton will certainly add some running and determination to the midfield which could see the likes of Harry Pritchard sweating over his position in the team.
