Oldham Athletic can confirm the arrival of Shaun Hobson from Southend United on a two-year-deal.
The 24-year-old central defender is the latest addition to David Unsworth’s squad, agreeing a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Shaun joined Southend in 2020 and was ever-present for the club over the course of his three years there, making 128 appearances and scoring six goals.
Unsworth was thrilled to secure the services of the central defender.
“Shaun was somebody we had on our list from the start, we’ve tracked him since new year and at one stage we thought it might not happen,” he said.
“I got a call from Steve Thompson, our Head of Recruitment, and he said we might be able to get him if we act quickly.
“We know all about him, he’s a Manchester boy, a top centre-half, great age, pace, size and stature, and the deal got turned around very quickly which I’m over-joyed about.
“His signing just shows if you stay patient and vigilant you get your targets and I have no doubt Shaun will come into the squad and make us better for next season”.
Excitement continues to build ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Be part of it all by purchasing your Season Ticket online here.
Born in Manchester, Hobson began his career at Burnley in 2014, before joining AFC Bournemouth in 2016.
Shaun spent four years at the Cherries, and over the course of his time at the club had various loan spells.
He joined Eastbourne Borough and made 14 appearances, scoring once. Short spells at Chester and Eastleigh then followed.
in 2019, his most successful loan came at Weymouth, where Shaun made 27 appearances and scored two goals as he helped the club win promotion to the National League.
The defender then joined Southend in 2020 and was a key player over the course of his spell with the Shrimpers, establishing himself as a regular in the heart of defence.
Shaun admitted he was delighted to get the deal done.
“I’m buzzing to be here and apart of the new feeling around the place,” he said.
“From first impressions, everyone’s happy, everyone’s smiling, there’s a really good vibe here.
“I want to play as high as I can see and speaking to the gaffer before his ambition is to get the club to where it deserves to be and back in the football league which is exactly what I plan to achieve here also.
“It’s a tough league, but if we work hard as a team we can look back at the end of the season as one where we’ve done something successful”.
Welcome to Latics, Shaun!
Player sponsorships for 2023/24 are now available for £250+VAT. To sponsor Shaun's home or away shirt, email commercial@oldhamathletic.co.uk.
