After coming through the academy at Arsenal, James Shea had loan spells with Southampton and Dagenham & Redbridge before plying his trade in non-league football with Needham Market and Harrow Borough after his release by the Gunners in 2013.
The goalkeeper continued to train with Arsene Wenger’s squad on a full-time basis during his year outside the pro game but returned to the Football League by signing for AFC Wimbledon in 2014.
He helped the Dons to promotion from Sky Bet League Two in 2015/16, then made 43 appearances in all competitions for the south London club.
Shea signed a one-year deal with the Hatters as a free agent in July 2017, which was extended until 2020 in February.
He forced his way into the first team at the tail end of his first season, making eight league appearances, to win his second promotion from the fourth tier.
The 2018/19 campaign saw Shea take home the Golden Glove award for League One after keeping 19 clean sheets in what was an outstanding season for the goalkeeper.
He signed a new contract with the Hatters in October 2019, going on to make his Championship debut later that month in a 3-0 win against Bristol City before playing an additional 12 games in the league during the rest of the 2019/20 campaign.
After gaining promotion to the top-flight, Shea made his Premier League debut in the last game of the 2023/24 season against Fulham coming off the bench.
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