 After three defeats in a row including a 2nd Round FA Cup exit to Aldershot Town, Mellon was sacked on 1 December 2012 with Fleetwood in 4th place.In December 2012 Mellon was asked to assist David Flitcroft who was caretaker manager at Barnsley following the sacking of Keith Hill.In January 2013 Flitcroft was appointed permanent manager with Mellon as his assistant.