Wikipedia

Luton Shelton

Luton George Kieshawn Shelton (11 November 1985 – 22 January 2021) was a Jamaican professional footballer who played as a striker or winger.[5][6] At the time of his death, he was the top scorer for the Jamaica national team with 35 goals. He is also the only men's football player to score four goals in his international debut (2004). He earned 75 caps for Jamaica, and played at three CONCACAF Gold Cups.

Luton Shelton
Shelton playing for Karabükspor in 2012
Personal information
Full name Luton George Kieshawn Shelton[1]
Date of birth (1985-11-11)11 November 1985[2]
Place of birth Kingston,[3] Jamaica
Date of death 22 January 2021(2021-01-22) (aged 35)
Place of death Kingston, Jamaica
Height 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)[4]
Position(s) Winger, striker
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2006 Harbour View 43 (44)
2006–2007 Helsingborgs IF 19 (9)
2007–2008 Sheffield United 19 (1)
2008–2011 Vålerenga 58 (17)
2009–2010 → Aalborg BK (loan) 11 (1)
2011–2013 Karabükspor 47 (10)
2013–2015 Volga Nizhny Novgorod 23 (2)
2017–2018 Harbour View 1 (1)
Total 221 (85)
International career
2004–2013 Jamaica 75 (35)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Shelton attended Wolmer's Schools[7] and began his career in the youth system of Harbour View. In his international club career, he was part of championship sides in the 2006 Svenska Cupen and the 2008 Norwegian Cup. He also played in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Turkey, and Russia.

Club career

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Harbour View

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Shelton started his career in the Harbour View youth system before becoming a first regular by the age of 18. While at Harbour View he won the CFU Club Championship and the National Premier League. He was also recognised as youth player of the year during his tenure.[8]

Helsingborg

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In August 2005 Shelton was due to move to Football League Championship club Burnley after a successful pre-season trial. They attempted to sign Shelton, but a work permit was rejected, and in August 2006 he joined Helsingborg[9] for about £100,000. During the 2006 season, he scored nine goals in 19 games in the Swedish Allsvenskan,[10] despite playing only irregularly due to repeated injuries. He scored a total of 17 goals in 28 competitive matches, including five goals in four Swedish Cup matches on the way to Helsingborg's victory in the competition. His 120th-minute equaliser against to-be league champions Elfsborg in the quarter-final, which Helsingborg won 5–3 after a penalty shootout (4–4 after extra time), and the 1–0 goal in the final against Gefle, were two of his highlights at the club.[11]

Sheffield United

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Despite being signed amidst much fanfare, Shelton did not make his full début until April 2007 in a 2–0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.[12][13] He made only three more appearances for the Blades in the Premiership that season as they unsuccessfully battled to avoid relegation.[14]

With the arrival of James Beattie and Billy Sharp at Bramall Lane during the close season he found games no more easy to come by under new manager Bryan Robson. Initially limited to cup appearances, he scored his first competitive goals for the club, netting twice in a 5–0 League Cup win over Morecambe in September 2007.[15]

As the team struggled he began to see more first team action, but was unable to turn appearances into goals, scoring only twice more that season, against Manchester City in the FA Cup[16] and Colchester in the league.[17] With the arrival of new manager Kevin Blackwell Shelton was sidelined once more.[18]

Vålerenga

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On 24 July 2008, it was announced that Shelton had been sold to Norwegian side Vålerenga, playing in the Tippeligaen, for around £1m[19] (10m kr).[20] His contract was to last to the end of the 2011 season.[21] Shelton made his debut on 2 August, scoring his side's lone goal in a 1–1 game at home against Fredrikstad FK.[22] He was considered an attacking player with a speed advantage: he was the fastest player to run a 40m sprint in the Tippeligaen.[23] He played in the 2008 Norwegian Cup, and was one of their top scorers in the 2010 Tippeligaen season with 12 goals.[24]

Shelton spent the 2009–10 season on loan to the Danish side Aalborg BK, playing 11 games.[25] He was part of their squad for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup.[26]

Karabükspor and Volga Nizhny Novgorod

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On 4 August 2011, Shelton was transferred to Karabükspor.[27] He played for two years, and chose to retain his jersey number 78 when he moved.[28]

In 2013, Shelton moved to Volga Nizhny Novgorod in Russia.[6] The club suffered from financial issues during this period, and frequently missed payments to the players.[29]

Harbour View return

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In April 2015, Shelton went on trial with MLS side Colorado Rapids.[30] Shelton returned to Harbour View at the beginning of 2017, after being out of the game for two years with injury, scoring in his first match on his return.[31] This match was his last before retirement.[32]

International career

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Shelton was capped at the U-17, U-20, U-23 and national levels for Jamaica. He scored his 25th goal for Jamaica vs Guadeloupe. He is the only man to score four goals on his international début.[32] In June 2008 he scored five goals in two 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying games for Jamaica against the Bahamas. Later the same month, he scored two goals as Jamaica won 7–0 and scored a hat-trick as Jamaica won 6–0.[33] Shelton was also the top goal scorer in 2010 CONCACAF World Cup qualification matches with seven goals. On 31 January 2010, Shelton scored in a friendly match against Canada to equal Paul Young as Jamaica's all-time leading goalscorer with 28 goals. On 27 November 2010, Shelton became Jamaica's all-time leader scorer with 30 goals after scoring two goals versus Antigua. Jamaica shocked United States 2–1 on to seize the lead in their group in the semi-final round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF Zone. Goals from Rodolph Austin and Luton Shelton overcame Clint Dempsey's first-minute strike for the Americans as Jamaica posted their first victory over the US in 19 matches.[34][32]

Personal life

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Shelton had three children with his wife Bobbette.[35][36]

In 2018, it was announced that Shelton had ALS.[37] He died from complications of the disease on 22 January 2021, aged 35.[38][39]

Career statistics

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Scores and results list Jamaica's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Shelton goal.
List of international goals scored by Luton Shelton[40]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 24 November 2004 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Saint Martin 4–0 12–0 2005 Caribbean Cup qualifier
2 8–0
3 9–0
4 10–0
5 26 November 2004 Jarrett Park, Montego Bay, Jamaica   U.S. Virgin Islands 1–0 11–0 2005 Caribbean Cup qualifier
6 28 November 2004 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Haiti 3–0 3–1 2005 Caribbean Cup qualifier
7 8 January 2005 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   French Guiana 3–0 5–0 2005 Caribbean Cup qualifier
8 20 February 2005 Barbados National Stadium, Waterford, Barbados   Trinidad and Tobago 1–0 2–1 2005 Caribbean Cup
9 24 February 2005 Barbados National Stadium, Waterford, Barbados   Cuba 1–0 1–0 2005 Caribbean Cup
10 20 April 2005 Herndon Stadium, Atlanta, United States   Guatemala 1–0 1–0 Friendly
11 7 July 2005 The Home Depot Center, Carson, United States   Guatemala 1–0 4–3 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup
12 1 October 2005 Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, United States   Guatemala 1–0 2–1 Friendly
13 8 October 2006 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Canada 1–1 2–1 Friendly
14 26 March 2007 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Panama 1–1 1–1 Friendly
15 7 June 2008 Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, Trinidad and Tobago   Trinidad and Tobago 1–1 1–1 Friendly
16 15 June 2008 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Bahamas 4–0 7–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier
17 5–0
18 18 June 2008 Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny, Jamaica   Bahamas 2–0 6–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier
19 3–0
20 5–0
21 15 October 2008 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Honduras 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier
22 18 October 2008 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Canada 1–0 3–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier
23 3 December 2008 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Barbados 2–1 2–1 2008 Caribbean Championship
24 5 December 2008 Jarrett Park, Montego Bay, Jamaica   Grenada 2–0 4–0 2008 Caribbean Championship
25 11 December 2008 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Guadeloupe 2–0 2–0 2008 Caribbean Championship
26 14 December 2008 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Grenada 1–0 2–0 2008 Caribbean Championship
27 2–0
28 31 January 2010 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   Canada 1–0 1–0 Friendly
29 27 November 2010 Stade En Camée, Rivière-Pilote, Martinique   Antigua and Barbuda 2–0 3–1 2010 Caribbean Championship
30 3–0
31 6 June 2011 The Home Depot Center, Carson, United States   Grenada 1–0 4–0 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup
32 15 August 2012 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C., United States   El Salvador 1–0 2–0 Friendly
33 2–0
34 7 September 2012 Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica   United States 2–1 2–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier
35 12 October 2012 Estadio Mateo Flores, Guatemala City, Guatemala   Guatemala 1–1 1–2 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier

Honours

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Harbour View

Helsingborg

Vålerenga

Aalborg BK

Jamaica

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Luton George Kieshawn Shelton" (in Norwegian). Norwegian Football Federation. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  2. ^ "Luton Shelton". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  3. ^ "Luton Shelton: Profile". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  4. ^ "Luton Shelton: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  5. ^ "Luton Shelton: Former Sheffield United and Jamaica striker dies aged 35". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Luton Shelton, one of Jamaica's most prolific goalscorers, is dead". Loop Sports. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Grange 'very sad' at Luton Shelton's passing". Jamaica Observer. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  8. ^ "'Our hearts cry out for Luton' – JPL club Harbour View, where striker got start, has 'fond memories' of former player". SportsMax. 23 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  9. ^ "Shelton rates instinctive free-kick his best". Jamaica Observer. 9 September 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  10. ^ "Granqvist sörjer förre HIF-spelaren: "Vila i frid min vän"". Aftonbladet (in Swedish). 22 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  11. ^ "Helsingborg wins Swedish Cup". Taiwan News. 11 December 2006. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  12. ^ "Man Utd 2–0 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 17 April 2007. Retrieved 30 November 2007.
  13. ^ "Warnock wraps up double signing". BBC Sport. 15 January 2007. Retrieved 30 November 2007.
  14. ^ "RIP LUTON SHELTON 1985-2021". Sheffield Utd FC. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  15. ^ "Sheff Utd 5–0 Morecambe". BBC Sport. 25 September 2007. Retrieved 30 November 2007.
  16. ^ "Sheff Utd 2–1 Man City". BBC. 27 January 2008. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
  17. ^ "Colchester 2–2 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 2 February 2008. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
  18. ^ "Shelton ends his spell at United". Wales Online. 29 May 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  19. ^ "Shelton Departs". Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield United Football Club. Archived from the original on 26 February 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2008.
  20. ^ "Shelton koster ti mill". 24 July 2008. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012.
  21. ^ Sæteren, Thomas Brekke (24 July 2008). "Luton Shelton (22) klar for Vålerenga". Vålerenga Fotball (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 24 July 2008.
  22. ^ Strande, Alexander Carlsen (2 August 2008). "Shelton ble helten". Aftenposten (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 5 August 2008.
  23. ^ "Shelton raskest i eliteserien" (in Norwegian). NRK. 6 January 2009. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  24. ^ "Spillerstatistikk Eliteserien Direktesenter 2010". NRK. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  25. ^ Wright, Nodley (12 January 2013). "Morrissey's Danish deal". jamaica-gleaner.com. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  26. ^ Cheese, Caroline (19 March 2009). "Uefa Cup as it happened". BBC Football. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  27. ^ "Luton Shelton hayatını kaybetti". NTVspor.net. 23 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  28. ^ "Son dakika: Karabükspor'un eski yıldızı Luton Shelton hayatını kaybetti". Sabah (in Turkish). 23 January 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  29. ^ "Шелтон: "В "Волге" тяжелая финансовая ситуация"" [Shelton: "Volga is in a difficult financial situation"]. Footballhd.ru (in Russian). Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  30. ^ "Jamaican international striker Luton Shelton visiting goal-starved Colorado Rapids". mlssoccer.com. MLS. 3 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
  31. ^ "Luton Shelton reinvents himself at former club, Harbour View". hvfc.net. Harbour View F.C. 22 February 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
  32. ^ a b c "Farewell, Luton – Nation Grieves Passing Of Former Reggae Boy Shelton". Jamaica Gleaner. 21 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  33. ^ "Performer of the week: Scoring Shelton". Jamaica Gleaner. 21 June 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2008.
  34. ^ "The goal king of Kingston". FIFA. 29 January 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2021.[dead link‍]
  35. ^ "Jamaican all-time scorer, Ex-Blades striker Luton Shelton dies at 35". Nicholas Mendola. NBCSports. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  36. ^ "Former Reggae Boyz Player Luton Shelton Has Died". Caribbean National Weekly. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  37. ^ "WATCH: Reggae Boy Luton Shelton Battling ALS Disease". The Gleaner. 11 October 2018.
  38. ^ "Former Reggae Boyz Player Luton Shelton Has Died". Caribbean National Weekly. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  39. ^ "Luton Shelton: Former Sheffield United and Jamaica striker dies aged 35". BBC Sport. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  40. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Luton Shelton – Goals in International Matches". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
  41. ^ Goloboy, James. "Central American Club Competitions 2004/05". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  42. ^ "HIF vann svenska cupen". Aftonbladet (in Swedish). 11 November 2006. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  43. ^ Aarhus, Lars. "Cup final in Oslo, November 9". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  44. ^ Stokkermans, Karel. "Denmark Cup 2008/09". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  45. ^ Courtney, Barry. "Copa Caribe 2005 - Details". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  46. ^ "Jamaica Cinches Digicel Caribbean Cup". Radio Jamaica News. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  47. ^ "Jamaica king of Caribbean soccer". Caribbean Life News. 6 December 2010. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
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