Gareth Sheldon, who had previously played for Scunthorpe United, spent three seasons with Exeter City between 2002 and 2005 during which time the club was relegated from the Football League. He then appeared for Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford United.

Gareth started his career as a trainee with Scunthorpe United, and turning professional in August 1997, went on to make around a hundred league and cup appearances for the Lincolnshire club. Then, featuring less-often during 2001/02, the now 22-year-old Gareth was handed a free transfer in May 2002.

Agreeing terms with Exeter City, Gareth made his debut for the Grecians as a substitute against Shrewsbury Town on the opening day of the season. Coming into a team that was destined to be relegated, Gareth played in 22 league and cup games that season scoring on three occasions. 

Signed up for City’s first season in the Conference, Gareth was now a more regular member of the side and, during 2003/04, managed nearly forty appearances in all competitions contributing nine goals along the way.  But he was to be less-involved the following season, when he was an unused substitute in the FA Cup game at Old Trafford, and left the club in May 2005. 

Signing for Kidderminster Harriers in July 2005, Gareth later briefly returned to the Football League with Hereford United before playing for Halesowen Town, Tamworth (where he was Player of the Year) and King’s Lynn ahead of joining Atherstone Town in  December 2009. After a series of injuries Gareth saw out his career with Bolehall Swifts, Bardon Hill and Polesworth.