Latics snap up Shelton from Hartlepool

Latics have snapped up central midfielder Mark Shelton from Hartlepool United. 

The 26-year-old, who has been at Victoria Park since December 2019, joins Latics on a two-and-a-half-year contract. 

Shelton won promotion from the National League with Hartlepool in 2021, having achieved the same feat with Salford two years earlier, and has spent the last 18 months in League Two. 

“We’ve been working to get Mark here for a while and I feel we’re really lucky to get him,” said manager David Unsworth. 

"He’s come in from a higher league and when we’ve watched him he’s been top class.

"He was really keen to come to Oldham and that for me is key. 

“He’s predominately a central midfielder, but he’s got the versatility to play in a number of positions.

"He’s been promoted from this division twice, I’m really pleased he wants to be part of this journey and we’re looking for him to have an instant impact.” 

Shelton came through the Nottingham Forest and Burton Albion youth academies, before joining Ilkeston in 2016. 

The 26-year-old then joined Alfreton Town, and spent a season at North Street, before joining Salford City a season later. 

He won back-to-back promotions with the Ammies, making nearly 50 appearances, as the club progressed from the National League North to League Two. 

After a short spell on loan at Woking, he joined Hartlepool United, helping Dave Challinor’s side win promotion to League Two in 2021, the third promotion of his career. 

Shelton has been a regular in Hartlepool’s team over the past 18 months, recently filling in at the back amid a number of injuries. 

“I’ve spoken to the manager a few times and I’m very happy to be here,” he said. 

“It’s a really big club, I know a good number of the lads having played with them before and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. 

“I’m a box-to-box midfielder who likes to get on the ball and help the team get on the front foot. 

“I know this is a very tough league, but we’ve got some good experience in this squad now and I’m here to enjoy my football.”

Shelton looks set to make his Latics bow tomorrow (Tuesday) in the home National League fixture against York City.

The scheduled weekend home fixture against Southend was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

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