THE former Shrewsbury, Chester & Tranmere midfielder has signed on loan until the transfer window opens in January.

Sam Aiston (born November 21, 1976 in Newcastle upon Tyne) is an English midfielder who has played for Burton Albion on loan from Northampton Town this season. The well-travelled football player has played for Sunderland, Tranmere Rovers and for a long period Shrewsbury Town during his career.

Aiston began his professional career at Sunderland with several impressive displays from the bench along side Michael Bridges during the final months of Sunderland's successful 1995-96 campaign. Despite promotion and growing plaudits Sam seemingly struggled for games and was unable to command a regular place on the bench.

Following loan spells at Stoke City and Chester City (twice), Aiston was signed on loan by Shrewsbury Town midway through the 1999-00 season.

Despite Shrewsbury struggling to avoid relegation that season, Aiston's form endeared him to the Shrews fans, and then manager Kevin Ratcliffe signed Aiston in the summer of 2000 (having earlier been in charge of him at Chester).

In just over five years at Gay Meadow, Aiston made 165 first team appearances. Despite scoring only 7 goals, his pace and speed down the wings made him a favourite with the Shrewsbury faithful, and he proved to be one of the key players as Shrewsbury were promoted from the Nationwide Conference during the 2003-04 season.

However, upon Shrewsbury's return to the League, Aiston fell out of favour with new Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters and was transferred to Tranmere Rovers in 2005.

Following a decent spell at Tranmere, Aiston moved to Northampton Town, but injuries meant he struggled to command a regular first team place and he dropped into the Conference for a loan spell with Burton Albion.