We are delighted to announce that we have completed the deadline day signing of midfielder Mark Shelton on a season-long loan from York City.
The 29-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.
Head Coach, David Artell, said:
“Mark is a player we’ve liked for a while, so we’re really pleased to get this deal done.
He’s got a really good understanding of League Two and has played a lot of football at this level and in the National League. He’s also been part of teams that have won promotion, which is important because he knows what it takes to compete at the top end of a division.
Mark gives us energy in midfield, but he’s also got an eye for a pass, can contribute goals and assists and has a really good work rate. He’s comfortable playing in different roles and that versatility will be important for us across the season.
He knows what this league is about and he knows what it takes to be successful in it. We’re looking forward to seeing him bring those qualities to the group.”
Speaking after making the move officially, Mark Shelton said:
“I’m delighted to get it done. I’ve had a few conversations with the club and with the manager, and it was something I really wanted to happen.
I’ve played against Grimsby a few times and I know what the club is about. There’s a really good group here and a lot of ambition, so when the opportunity came up to join, it was an easy decision for me.
I’m someone who wants to play regularly, contribute to the team and help the club achieve its ambitions. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience promotion a few times in my career, and I want to bring that experience here and hopefully be part of another successful season.
I’m really looking forward to getting started, meeting the lads and playing in front of the supporters at Blundell Park. I can’t wait.”
Welcome to Grimsby Town, Mark!
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