Former Burnley and Aston Villa striker makes shock switch to 8th-tier English football club
Matt Lowton, a former Burnley player, has made a shock switch to the Football League’s eighth tier.
The 34-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Turf Moor at the end of last season, ending an eight-year spell at East Lancashire.
After trials with Birmingham City and Stockport County in the summer, the full-back has now linked up with non-league side Witton Albion.
The Cheshire-based club play in the Northern Premier League Division One West and are managed by former Preston North End striker Jon Macken, also a former Colne manager.
“We are delighted to welcome former Burnley and Aston Villa defender Matt Lowton to Albion,” Witton announced on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Matt, 34, has played more than 230 games in the Premier League.
His most recent PL match was on February 22 for Burnley.
“Welcome to Witton Albion, Matt.
Signed from Villa in 2015, Lowton made 203 appearances for Burnley, scoring three goals.
He was part of the team that won promotion to the Premier League in 2015/16 and was an ever-present under Sean Dyche in the top flight.
The defender made two appearances for the Clarets last season under Vincent Kompany, but both came in cup competitions.
Lowton was then loaned to Huddersfield Town for the second half of last season, making nine appearances.
He is not the only experienced player to leave Turf Moor at the end of last season, Ashley Barnes is also heading to new pastures after nine years with the club.
