Oldham Athletic have signed Mark Shelton on a two-and-a-half year contract from Hartlepool United.

The 26-year-old, who has been at Victoria Park since December 2019, has twice won promotion to the National League.

Shelton went up with Salford via the play-offs in 2019 then celebrated promotion with Hartlepool two years later.

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

He then joined Alfreton Town, and spent a season at North Street, before joining Salford City a season later, going on to make nearly 50 appearances, as the Ammies progressed from the National League North to League Two.

Following a short spell on loan at Woking, he joined Hartlepool United, where he earned the third promotion of his career.

The central midfielder has been a regular in Hartlepool’s team over the past 18 months, recently filling in at the back amid a number of injuries for former Latics head coach Keith Curle’s side.

Of his move to Boundary Park Shelton said: “I’ve spoken to the manager a few times and I’m very happy to be here.

“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.”