TUTON TO TUCK IN AT THE TYKES

BARNSLEY new boy Shaun Tuton knows he’s left part-time football behind – his lunch is made for him!

The Tykes have signed the 24-year-old striker on a twoand-a-half year deal after he impressed with 12 goals – including nine in his last ten games – for National League side FC Halifax Town.

Tuton (pictured inset) has certainly put in the hard yards in the Non-League ranks at Matlock Town, Belper Town and Buxton.

Four years ago, he was scoring for Staveley Miners Welfare reserves in the Glenwood Printing Reserves Supreme Division and was occasionally working for his dad on building sites.

So, having enjoyed a rapid rise into the professional game, he’s determined to make the most of it.

“I’ve done proper steps up the ladder,” he says.“I always kept saying I wanted to make it into League football and I had so many people say to me I wouldn’t make it. Those who doubted me made me want it more.Where I was at the time I knew full well I had to step up my game and hope someone would give me a chance.

Benefits

“I built up my strength and pace. I had to do quite a bit on my own. Obviously, I’ve never had experience of full-time football, like a lot of people have at that age. “It always makes you want it even more.You see all the benefits professional players get and I’m starting to see that now. Things like training every day and all the food being sorted.When I was on building sites, it was a matter of making my own pasta and chicken, to make sure I ate well. It’s not easy because you have your set times to eat and, even though it was my dad’s business, I still had to put in a lot of graft. I’ve always looked after my diet but now it’s all prepared for us.”

Tuton is not the only NonLeague player signed by the Tykes, who are now searching for a new boss after Lee Johnson left for Bristol City.

AFC Fylde midfielder Josh Kay, 19, has penned an 18month contract after catching the Tykes’ eye in the National League North promotion race.

Tuton thinks they can only benefit from full-time training.

“It’s a step up from where I’ve come from,” he said.“It’s going to be quicker, but the full-time training is going to help me massively.

“It’s a massive club with quality players, so it’s going to be a challenge to win a place and then keep it. I can’t wait to get started properly.”