Joe Skarz signed for the Shakers before the 2010/11 season when he put pen to paper on a two year contract.  A free transfer from Huddersfield Town, Joe quickly agreed terms with the Shakers, despite interest from several clubs.  A product of the Terriers Youth System, Joe made his debut for Huddersfield Town following several impressive performances for the Terriers second string.  He started his first game at left back in a 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe United on 04 November 2006.  Progress was swift for young Joe and soon after, then manager Peter Jackson announced that he would be his preferred player in the left back position.  Joe was also named as the Football League's Apprentice of the year for 2007.

Former Bury manager Stan Ternent took over the reigns at Huddersfield and awarded him a new three year contract.  His first goal came soon after when he found the back of the net in a 2-1 win at Leeds United's Elland Road.  However, a change in management saw chances limited and he joined Hartlepool United on loan in March 2009, where he made seven appearances for Pools before returning to the Galpharm Stadium.  Despite reclaiming his starting berth at the start of the 0809 season, he found himself at League Two Shrewsbury Town from January 2010 until the end of the season.  Joe joined the Shakers from Huddersfield after being told by Lee Clarke that he would not be in his plans for the new season.

Joe's move to Gigg Lane certainly proved to be a successful one and he finished the season as the only member of the first team squad to have played every minute of every game in all competitions. Joe also added his runners up medal to his list of plaudits and was also named the Shakers' young player of the season and was also named in the PFA League Two team of the year.