Who is Shaun Hobson? New FC Halifax Town signing explained

FC Halifax Town fans have a new name to learn, and one they’ll probably be shouting from the stands soon enough. Shaun Hobson, a strong and reliable centre-back, has signed for the Shaymen after leaving Oldham Athletic. And while he’s only just 26, Hobson’s already packed a lot into his career.

So if you’re wondering who he is, where he’s been, and what he brings to the squad—pull up a chair, we’ve got you covered.

A defender who’s seen it all

Not everyone knows this, but Shaun Hobson didn’t come through one of the big London or northern academies. He kicked things off with Fletcher Moss Rangers, a grassroots club in Manchester that’s famous for producing stars like Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.

From there, Hobson had a spell at Burnley’s academy before making the move to AFC Bournemouth in 2016. Now, Bournemouth might be known more for their flashy attacking football, but they clearly saw something in Hobson’s calm head and solid defending.

Loan life: learning the hard way

Like loads of young players, Hobson had to prove himself the old-fashioned way—with loan spells. And he got about a bit.

• Eastbourne Borough – National League South
• Chester FC – National League
• Eastleigh – National League
• Weymouth – National League South

These weren’t just tick-box loans either. They gave him a taste of proper men's football—muddy pitches, physical strikers, and long coach rides. It’s a tough gig, but that’s where he sharpened his game.

Big break at Southend United

In September 2020, Hobson made his first real permanent move, joining Southend United in League Two. That was a big step up—and he didn’t bottle it. He made 48 appearances in that first season. Not bad, right?

But things weren’t easy at Southend. Despite his efforts, the club got relegated to the National League at the end of that season. Most players might have jumped ship. Hobson didn’t. He stuck around for three seasons, racking up over 100 games for the Shrimpers. That kind of loyalty says a lot about his character.

A solid season with Oldham

Next up came Oldham Athletic, who signed him in June 2023. Last season, he made 22 appearances and played a part in their playoff final, even coming off the bench during extra time against none other than his old team, Southend.

Imagine that. Facing your old club in one of the season’s biggest games. Pressure? Loads. But Hobson’s used to it by now.

Why Halifax?

That’s the big question for fans, right? Why now, why us?

Here’s the thing, Halifax are building something. They’re ambitious. They’ve sniffed around the playoffs and want to push on. Bringing in an experienced, battle-tested defender like Hobson shows they mean business. He’s only 26, but with over 150 senior games, he’s got more miles on the clock than most at that age.

He also brings a bit of everything:

• Experience across both League Two and the National League
• Physicality - he’s strong in the air and tough in a tackle
• Leadership - you don’t play that many games without learning how to organise a back line

What this means for Halifax fans

If you’re a Halifax supporter, here’s what you’re getting:

• A player who’s played at a higher level and wants to get back there
• Someone who’s been through tough seasons but kept performing
• A calm, no-nonsense defender who does the ugly stuff well

And let’s be honest, every team needs that guy. The one who’ll head the ball clear in the 93rd minute. The one who doesn’t panic when things get messy. That’s Hobson.

What people are saying

While the official statement didn’t include quotes from the player or manager, fans from his previous clubs have mostly had positive things to say. A few Oldham supporters on social media wished him well, with one even writing:

“Solid lad at the back. Never gave less than 100%. Wish we’d kept him.”

You can’t ask for much more than that.

With pre-season underway and the new campaign around the corner, Hobson’s arrival could be a smart move. Time will tell, but all the signs suggest FC Halifax Town have just added a very useful piece to their promotion puzzle.

Watch this space.