{{short description|English footballer (born 1996)}} {{use British English|date=July 2018}} {{use dmy dates|date=July 2018}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Josh Heaton |image = |image_size = |caption = |fullname = |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|9|16|df=y}}<ref name=1stYear>{{cite web |url=http://www.pnefc.net/team/youthteam/ |title=Academy U18s Profiles |publisher=Preston North End F.C. |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823034841/http://www.pnefc.net/team/youthteam/ |archivedate=23 August 2013}}</ref> |birth_place = Preston, England |height = {{height|ft=6|in=5}}<ref name=BackToBrig/> |position = Defender |currentclub = Mornington SC |clubnumber = |youthyears1 = 200?–2014 |youthclubs1 = Preston North End |years1 = 2014–2016 |clubs1 = Preston North End |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0 |years2 = 2014–2015 |clubs2 = → Tamworth (loan) |caps2 = 23 |goals2 = 1 |years3 = 2015–2016 |clubs3 = → Tamworth (loan) |caps3 = 3 |goals3 = 0 |years4 = 2016 |clubs4 = → Colne (loan) |caps4 = 4 |goals4 = 0 |years5 = 2016 |clubs5 = Droylsden |caps5 = |goals5 = |years6 = 2016 |clubs6 = Stalybridge Celtic |caps6 = 2 |goals6 = 0 |years7 = 2016–2017 |clubs7 = Bamber Bridge |caps7 = |goals7 = |years8 = 2017 |clubs8 = → Congleton Town (loan) |caps8 = 6 |goals8 = 2 |years9 = 2017 |clubs9 = Ramsbottom United |caps9 = 1 |goals9 = 1 |years10 = 2017–2018 |clubs10 = Darlington |caps10 = 22 |goals10 = 1 |years11 = 2018–2019 |clubs11 = St Mirren |caps11 = 0 |goals11 = 0 |years12 = 2019 |clubs12 = → Kidderminster Harriers (loan) |caps12 = 8 |goals12 = 0 |years13 = 2019 |clubs13 = Darlington |caps13 = 7 |goals13 = 0 |years14 = 2019 |clubs14 = Bradford (Park Avenue) |caps14 = 6 |goals14 = 0 |years15 = 2019–2020 |clubs15 = Longridge Town |caps15 = 12 |goals15 = 0 |years16 = 2020– |clubs16 = Mornington SC |caps16 = |goals16 = |club-update = 09:17, 23 April 2020 (UTC) }} '''Joshua Heaton''' (born 16 September 1996), formerly known as '''Josh Sampson''',<ref name=SignsPro/> is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Australian club Mornington SC. He began his career with Preston North End, but never appeared for their first team, and played non-league football for Tamworth, Colne, Droylsden, Stalybridge Celtic, Bamber Bridge, Congleton Town, Ramsbottom United and Darlington, before signing for Scottish Premiership club St Mirren in 2018. After spending time on loan at Kidderminster Harriers, he was released by St Mirren, and signed for Bradford (Park Avenue) in September 2019 after a short second spell with Darlington. He also played for Longridge Town before moving to Australia.
==Life and career== ===Preston North End=== Heaton was born in Preston, Lancashire,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/josh-heaton-250064/ |title=Josh Heaton |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |accessdate=18 July 2018}}</ref> and attended All Hallows Catholic High School in nearby Penwortham. He first played for his local Football League club, Preston North End, as an under-seven, signed for them as an under-eight, and progressed through the ranks,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/heaton-ready-to-step-up-at-pne-1-7347024 |title=Heaton ready to step up at PNE |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=8 July 2015 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> taking up a two-year scholarship in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/registrations/july-2013.ashx |title=List of players registered as scholars in accordance with Rule C.3 between 01/07/2013 and 31/07/2013 |publisher=The Football Association |accessdate=18 July 2018 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408233947/http://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/thefaportal/governance-docs/registrations/july-2013.ashx |archivedate=8 April 2014}}</ref>
In November 2014, he joined Tamworth of the Conference North on a work experience loan.<ref name=ToTamworth>{{cite web |url=http://www.thelambs.co.uk/news/sampson-strengthens-lambs-back-line-2137.htm |title=Sampson strengthens Lambs back line |publisher=Tamworth F.C. |date=14 November 2014 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> Because of injuries and suspensions, he went straight into the starting eleven for the visit to Lowestoft Town the following day, and played the whole of a 3–2 defeat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lowestofttownfc.co.uk/teams/50851/news/title-1330635.html |title=Lowestoft Town 3 Tamworth 2 |first=Terry |last=Bullen |publisher=Lowestoft Town F.C. |date=15 November 2014 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> He established himself as a regular in the side, and finished the season with 22 league starts.<ref name=Soccerway/>
After his scholarship ended in June 2015, Heaton was the only one of his year group to be taken on as a professional: he signed a one-year contract with the option of a second.<ref name=SignsPro>{{cite web |url=https://pnefc.net/news/2015/july/josh-heaton-signs-first-professional-contract-as-steven-james-signs-new-deal |title=Josh Heaton signs first professional contract as Steven James signs new deal |publisher=Preston North End F.C. |date=1 July 2015 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> He was given squad number 29, and was included among the substitutes for the visit to Sheffield Wednesday in October; Preston lost 3–1, and Heaton remained unused.<ref name=Soccerway/><ref name=ToTamworth2>{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/pne-defender-is-loaned-out-1-7592814 |title=PNE defender is loaned out |first=Dave |last=Seddon |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=26 November 2015 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> In November, he rejoined Tamworth on loan,<ref name=ToTamworth2/> but this time he made only four appearances over a two-month spell.<ref name=Soccerway/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thelambs.co.uk/news/heaton-loan-ends-2489.htm |title=Heaton loan ends |publisher=Tamworth F.C. |date=8 February 2018 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> He finished the season on loan at Colne of the North-West Counties League. He was sent off on his debut, conceding a penalty that tied the scores in the local derby against Barnoldswick Town, but his team went on to win.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pendletoday.co.uk/sport/football/wharton-nets-late-winner-for-colne-in-derby-1-7825824 |title=Wharton nets late winner for Colne in derby |first=Dave |last=Priestley |website=Pendle Today |date=1 April 2016 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> He contributed three more league appearances as the team gained promotion to the Northern Premier League.<ref name=ColneProfile>{{cite web |url=http://www.colnefootballclub.com/teams/44230/player/josh-heaton-1665396/33866 |title=Colne F.C. – The team: Josh Heaton |publisher=Colne F.C. |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref><ref name=ToCeltic/> Heaton was released by Preston in the summer of 2016 when his contract expired.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/seven-released-by-pne-1-7902667 |title=Seven released by PNE |first=Dave |last=Seddon |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=10 May 2016 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref>
===Non-league football=== After interest from Championship clubs Reading and Wigan Athletic and trials with non-league teams including AFC Fylde and Bamber Bridge,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/non-league/heat-is-on-to-sign-ex-pne-man-josh-1-8015710 |title=Heat is on to sign ex-PNE man Josh |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=15 July 2016 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}<br>{{cite news |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/afc-fylde/coasters-boss-demands-a-fresh-start-1-8218310 |title=Coasters' boss demands a fresh start |first=Steve |last=Simpson |newspaper=Blackpool Gazette |date=4 November 2016 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> Heaton signed for Droylsden of the Northern Premier League Division One North.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tamesidereporter.com/2016/08/droylsden-sign-flurry-of-players-ahead-of-season-opener/ |title=Droylsden sign flurry of players before season opener at Lancaster on Saturday |first=Mark |last=Phillip |newspaper=Tameside Reporter |date=10 August 2016 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> He soon moved up two tiers to Stalybridge Celtic of the National League North,<ref name=ToCeltic>{{cite news |url=https://tamesidereporter.com/2016/10/celtic-continue-to-reshape-squad/ |title=Celtic continue to reshape squad |first=Mark |last=Phillip |newspaper=Tameside Reporter |date=31 October 2016 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> but made just two appearances at that level<ref name=StalyProfile>{{cite web |url=http://www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk/play.php?code=HEATJ |title=Player Profile – Josh Heaton (31st Oct 2016 – 3rd Dec 2016) |publisher=Stalybridge Celtic F.C. |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> before returning to the NPL Division One with Bamber Bridge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/non-league/strike-duo-look-the-business-for-brig-1-8301329 |title=Strike duo look the business for Brig |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=23 December 2016 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> By the end of the season he had been on the winning side in the Challenge Cup final and earned himself a new one-year contract.<ref name=NPLCupApps>{{cite web |url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/granthamtown/teams/59867/match-centre/2-41683 |title=Grantham Town 1 vs. 2 Bamber Bridge |publisher=Grantham Town F.C. |date=19 April 2017 |accessdate=17 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/bamberbridge/news/team-news-bamber-bridges-rising-stars-sign-new-dea-1790463.html |title=Bamber Bridge's rising stars sign new deals |first=Ruth |last=Hornby |publisher=Bamber Bridge F.C. |date=22 April 2017 |accessdate=15 July 2018}}</ref>
In the summer of 2017, he agreed to join National League North club Darlington, but the move collapsed over personal terms, complicated by a collarbone broken while playing in a pre-season fixture for his potential employers. He remained a Bamber Bridge player,<ref name=BackToBrig>{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/bamber-bridge-fc/future-of-brig-defender-heaton-still-up-in-the-air-1-8678832 |title=Future of Brig defender Heaton still up in the air |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=31 July 2017 |accessdate=16 July 2018 |quote=We are happy to have Josh back because central defenders, who are 6ft. 5in. tall with pace, who are good on the ball and who are good in the air – they are hard to find.}}</ref> and spent a month on loan at Congleton Town to regain match fitness.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/bamber-bridge-fc/reynolds-prepares-for-battles-of-the-brigs-1-8764964 |title=Reynolds prepares for battles of the Brigs |first=Craig |last=Salmon |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=22 September 2017 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref><ref name=CongletonProfile>{{cite web |url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/congletontownfc/teams/23571/player/joshua-heaton-1923010/47539 |title=First Team North West Counties – The team: Joshua Heaton |publisher=Congleton Town F.C. |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> Released by Bamber Bridge in mid-October,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/bamber-bridge-fc/brig-boss-reynolds-has-eyes-on-top-spot-1-8796305 |title=Brig boss Reynolds has eyes on top spot |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |location=Preston |date=10 October 2017 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> he then played three matches for Northern Premier League Division One team Ramsbottom United on a non-contract basis,<ref name=RamsProfile>{{cite web |url=http://www.rammyunited.co.uk/stats/player.php?id=481 |title=Player stats – Josh Heaton |publisher=Ramsbottom United F.C. |accessdate=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=NLPaperV9/> before finally joining Darlington in mid-November.<ref>{{cite web |title=Quakers sign centre half Josh Heaton |url=http://darlingtonfootballclub.co.uk/quakers-sign-centre-half-josh-heaton |first=Ray |last=Simpson |publisher=Darlington F.C. |date=17 November 2017 |accessdate=18 July 2018}}</ref>
Although happy in his work as a delivery driver,<ref name=NLPaperV9/> Heaton was open about his ambition to return to full-time football as soon as possible, and hoped that Darlington was "the right move for me to hopefully help me progress".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/15660531.DARLINGTON__Ambitious_Heaton_eyeing_return_to_EFL_eventually/ |title=Darlington: Ambitious Heaton eyeing return to EFL eventually |first=Craig |last=Stoddart |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=15 November 2017 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> Initially, he was seen as a work in progress: Darlington's management team, Tommy Wright and former centre-back Alan White, told him "You'll not play regularly but you'll get your chance, you'll be involved". By February, he had established himself as a regular in Darlington's starting eleven,<ref name=WhiteSuccess>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/darlington/16051637.DARLINGTON__Heaton_has_the_attributes_required_to_be_a_success__says_White/ |title=Darlington: Heaton has the attributes required to be a success, says White |first=Craig |last=Stoddart |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=27 February 2018 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> and in March, he signed a new two-year contract "to give him the wage improvement that he deserves".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/16077842.DARLINGTON__Wright_challenges_his_players_to_continue_their_improved_form/ |title=Darlington: Wright challenges his players to continue their improved form |first=Craig |last=Stoddart |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=9 March 2018 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> He finished the season with 22 league appearances.<ref name=Soccerway/>
===St Mirren=== Together with Darlington teammates Luke Trotman and Joe Wheatley, Heaton was selected to attend a course at Jamie Vardy's V9 Academy designed to help non-league players get into professional football.<ref name=WhiteSuccess/><ref name=NLPaperV9>{{cite news |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/features/22705/v9-academy-can-you-spot-the-next-jamie-vardy-the-numbers-are-clocking-up-to-be-a-premier-league-hero/ |title=V9 Academy: Can you spot the next Jamie Vardy? The numbers are clocking up to be a Premier League hero |newspaper=The Non-League Football Paper |date=18 May 2018 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> He attracted attention from a variety of clubs including Everton and Middlesbrough before manager Alan Stubbs signed Heaton and another player from the V9 Academy course, Cody Cooke, for Scottish Premiership club St Mirren. Heaton signed a three-year contract; the fee, officially undisclosed but reported in the media as £75,000,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11797/11412936/jamie-vardy-v9-academy-graduates-josh-heaton-cody-cooke-join-st-mirren |title=Jamie Vardy V9 Academy graduates Josh Heaton, Cody Cooke join St Mirren |publisher=Sky Sports |date=22 June 2018 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}<br>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44570834 |title=St Mirren sign defender Josh Heaton & striker Cody Cooke |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2018 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref> was described on the club's website as the largest paid by St Mirren "in around 25 years".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stmirren.com/news/club/all-news/1935-josh-heaton-signs-for-saints |title=Josh Heaton signs for Saints |publisher=St Mirren F.C. |date=21 June 2018 |accessdate=16 July 2018}}</ref>
Heaton was an unused substitute for St Mirren's opening fixture, in the League Cup against Kilmarnock, and made his debut in their second group match, at home to Spartans of the Lowland League on 17 July. He played the whole match as St Mirren won on penalties.<ref name=Soccerway/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stmirren.com/news/matchday/match-reports/2001-match-report-st-mirren-2-2-spartans-5-3-on-penalties |title=Match Report: St Mirren 2–2 Spartans (5–3 on penalties) |publisher=St Mirren F.C. |date=17 July 2018 |accessdate=18 July 2018}}</ref> He made one more appearance in the League Cup and turned out for St Mirren's under-21 side in the Scottish Challenge Cup, but four selections as an unused substitute were as close as he came to a Premiership debut.<ref name=Soccerway/>
He returned to English football in January 2019 when he signed for Kidderminster Harriers on loan until the end of the season,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/sport/17336632.harriers-bring-in-defender-josh-heaton/ |title=Harriers bring in defender Josh Heaton |newspaper=Kidderminster Shuttle |date=4 January 2019 |accessdate=4 January 2019}}</ref> but made only eight National League North appearances.<ref name=Soccerway/> He was released by St Mirren in July 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/17774555.st-mirren-let-75k-record-signing-josh-heaton-leave-free/ |title=St Mirren to let £75k record signing Josh Heaton leave for free |first=Graeme |last=Macpherson |newspaper=The Herald |location=Glasgow |date=16 July 2019 |accessdate=15 September 2019}}<br>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49046913 |title=Josh Heaton: St Mirren release £75,000 defender after two games in a year |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 July 2019 |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref>
===Return to non-league football=== Heaton rejoined Darlington on a non-contract basis in August 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nonleaguedaily.com/darlington-complete-josh-heaton-signing/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807185510/http://nonleaguedaily.com/darlington-complete-josh-heaton-signing/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=7 August 2019 |title=Darlington complete Josh Heaton signing |website=Non League Daily |date=7 August 2019 |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/josh-heaton-leaves-for-bradford-park-avenue |title=Josh Heaton leaves for Bradford Park Avenue |first=Ray |last=Simpson |publisher=Darlington F.C. |date=12 September 2019 |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref> He played seven times in the National League North, mostly as a substitute with Louis Laing and Terry Galbraith preferred at centre back.<ref name=Soccerway/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/17896354.defender-set-leave-darlington/ |title=Defender set to leave Darlington |first=Craig |last=Stoddart |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=11 September 2019 |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref> Standing in for the unfit Galbraith away to King's Lynn Town at the end of August, he made defensive errors that contributed to both goals in a 2–0 defeat,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/17873058.armstrong-annoyed-basic-errors-lead-darlington-defeat/ |title=Armstrong annoyed after 'basic errors' lead to Darlington defeat |first=Craig |last=Stoddart |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=31 August 2019 |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref> and was allowed to leave after just five weeks with the club. He signed for Bradford (Park Avenue) on 13 September,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17902164.two-one-bradford-park-avenue/ |title=Two in and one out for Bradford (Park Avenue) |first=Mark |last=Stanford |newspaper=Telegraph and Argus |location=Bradford |date=13 September 2019 |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref> and made his debut the following day in a 1–1 draw at home to Spennymoor United in the National League North.<ref name=BPADebut>{{cite news |url=https://bpafc.com/match-report-avenue-1-1-spennymoor/ |title=Match Report: Avenue 1-1 Spennymoor |first=Joe |last=Cockburn |publisher=Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC |date=14 September 2019 |accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref> After two months and six league appearances,<ref name=Soccerway/> he joined Longridge Town of the North West Counties League, where he played until February 2020.<ref name=NWCLongridge/>
Heaton then moved to Australia, where he played for Mornington SC of the Victorian State League Division 1 in an FFA Cup match before the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to competitive football.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mpnews.com.au/2020/03/23/saints-paid-75000-for-heaton/ |title=Saints paid £75,000 for Heaton |first=Craig |last=MacKenzie |newspaper=Mornington Peninsula News |date=23 March 2020 |accessdate=23 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://footballwest.com.au/football-on-hold-until-may-31/ |title=Football's return delayed until 31 May |publisher=Football West |date=1 April 2020 |accessdate=23 April 2020}}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{updated|match played 8 February 2020}}
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan=2|Club !rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|National Cup !colspan=2|League Cup !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan=3|Preston North End |2014–15<ref name=sb1415>{{soccerbase season|86101|2014|name=Joshua Heaton|accessdate=17 July 2018}}</ref> |Championship |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0 |- |2015–16<ref name=sb1516>{{soccerbase season|86101|2015|name=Joshua Heaton|accessdate=17 July 2018}}</ref> |Championship |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0 |- !colspan=2|Total !0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0 |- |rowspan=3|Tamworth (loan) |2014–15<ref name=Soccerway/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thelambs.co.uk/info/reports.asp?repID=847 |title=Tigers kill off Lambs |publisher=Tamworth F.C. |date=29 November 2014 |accessdate=17 July 2018}}</ref> |Conference North |23||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=statsFAT|Appearance(s) in FA Trophy}}||0||24||1 |- |2015–16<ref name=Soccerway/> |Conference North |3||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=statsFAT}}||0||4||0 |- !colspan=2|Total !26||1||0||0||colspan=2|—||2||0||28||1 |- |Colne (loan) |2015–16<ref name=ColneProfile/> |North West Counties Premier |4||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||4||0 <!-- |- |Droylsden |2016–17 |Northern Premier League Division One North | || || || || || || || || || --> |- |Stalybridge Celtic |2016–17<ref name=StalyProfile/> |Northern Premier League Div. One North |2||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|Appearance in Cheshire Senior Cup}}||1||3||1 |- |Bamber Bridge |2016–17 |Northern Premier League Div. One North | || || || || || || || || || |- |Congleton Town (loan) |2017–18<ref name=CongletonProfile/> |North West Counties Premier |6||2||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||0||0||6||2 |- |Ramsbottom United |2017–18<ref name=RamsProfile/> |Northern Premier League Div. One North |1||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||2{{efn|name=statsFAT}}||1||3||2 |- |Darlington |2017–18<ref name=Soccerway/> |National League North |22||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||22||1 |- |St Mirren |2018–19<ref name=sb1819>{{soccerbase season|86101|2018|name=Joshua Heaton|accessdate=15 September 2019}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |0||0||0||0||2||0||colspan=2|—||2||0 |- |St Mirren U21 |2018–19<ref name=sb1819/> |colspan=3|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|Appearance in Scottish Challenge Cup}}||0||1||0 |- |Kidderminster Harriers (loan) |2018–19<ref name=Soccerway/> |National League North |8||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||8||0 |- |Darlington |2019–20<ref name=Soccerway/> |National League North |7||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||7||0 |- |Bradford (Park Avenue) |2019–20<ref name=Soccerway>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/joshua-sampson/390297/ |title=J. Heaton |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |accessdate=23 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bpafc.com/match-report-avenue-2-4-morpeth/ |title=Match Report: Avenue 2–4 Morpeth |publisher=Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC |date=21 September 2019 |accessdate=23 April 2019}}</ref> |National League North |6||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||7||0 |- ||Longridge Town |2019–20<ref name=NWCLongridge>{{cite web |url=https://www.nwcfl.com/player-details.php?id=982 |title=Player Statistics for Joshua Heaton |publisher=North West Counties Football League |accessdate=24 April 2020}}</ref> |North West Counties Premier |12||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||4{{efn|Appearances in FA Vase}}||0||16||0 |- !colspan=3|Career total !94||5||1||0||2||0||10||2||107||7 |}
{{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heaton, Josh}} Category:1996 births Category:Living people Category:People from Penwortham Category:Footballers from Preston, Lancashire Category:English men's footballers Category:Men's association football defenders Category:Preston North End F.C. players Category:Tamworth F.C. players Category:Colne F.C. players Category:Droylsden F.C. players Category:Stalybridge Celtic F.C. players Category:Bamber Bridge F.C. players Category:Congleton Town F.C. players Category:Ramsbottom United F.C. players Category:Darlington F.C. players Category:St Mirren F.C. players Category:Kidderminster Harriers F.C. players Category:Bradford (Park Avenue) A.F.C. players Category:National League (English football) players Category:Northern Premier League players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:21st-century English sportsmen