Mark Shelton joined the Mariners on deadline day in 2026 on a season-long loan from fellow Sky Bet League Two side, York City.
The 30-year-old brings a wealth of experience to David Artell’s squad, having made almost 300 senior appearances across the National League and EFL during a career that has included three promotions.
Shelton began his career in the academy at Burton Albion, where he signed his first professional contract in 2015, before moving into non-League football with Ilkeston and Alfreton Town.
His performances at Alfreton earned him a move to Salford City in 2017. He was part of the Salford side that won the National League play-offs at Wembley in 2019, securing promotion to the EFL for the first time in the club’s history.
After making his League Two debut for Salford, Shelton enjoyed loan spells with Woking and Hartlepool United before joining the latter permanently in 2020.
He spent three seasons at Hartlepool, helping the club win promotion to League Two through the 2021 National League play-offs. Shelton played the full final against Torquay United and successfully converted his penalty in the shoot-out.
A move to Oldham Athletic followed in January 2023, with Shelton making 35 appearances for the Latics before joining Barnet in the summer of 2024.
He enjoyed an outstanding first season with the Bees, scoring 12 goals and registering two assists in 33 National League appearances as Barnet were crowned champions and secured promotion to League Two.
Shelton continued to make an impact in the EFL during the 2025/26 campaign, recording eight goals and eight assists in 40 appearances for Barnet. He subsequently joined York City in the summer and now makes the move to Blundell Park for the 2026/27 season.
