Michael Nelson (footballer)

Michael John Nelson (born 23 March 1980) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender and is currently player-manager at Blyth Spartans. Nelson has previously played for Scunthorpe United, Norwich City, Hartlepool United, Bury, Kilmarnock, Bradford City, Hibernian, Cambridge United, Barnet and Chesterfield.

Michael Nelson
Nelson in 2008
Personal information
Full name Michael John Nelson[1]
Date of birth (1980-03-28) 28 March 1980
Place of birth Gateshead, England
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Playing position(s) Defender
Club information
Current team
 Blyth Spartans (player-manager)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2001 Bishop Auckland 46 (2)
2001–2003 Bury 72 (8)
2003–2009 Hartlepool United 259 (14)
2009–2011 Norwich City 39 (5)
2011–2012 Scunthorpe United 30 (1)
2012–2013 Kilmarnock 36 (2)
2013 Bradford City 14 (0)
2013–2014 Hibernian 35 (2)
2014–2015 Cambridge United 33 (3)
2015–2018 Barnet 97 (2)
2018–2019 Chesterfield 13 (0)
2019–2020 Gateshead 10 (1)
2020– Blyth Spartans 0 (0)
Total 644 (38)
Teams managed
2020– Blyth Spartans
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Club career

Early career

Born in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, Nelson started his playing career as a semi-professional, playing for non-League teams such as Spennymoor United, Leek Town and Bishop Auckland. Nelson's performances attracted the attention of league clubs who sent scouts to watch him. Nelson was given a trial at Hartlepool but he was not offered a contract by the then Hartlepool manager Chris Turner. However Nelson was offered a contract at Bury by manager Andy Preece after Bury scout Peter Ward convinced him to give Nelson a chance.

Bury

Once Nelson had settled down to professional football, he gradually became a first team regular and during his first full season at Bury he managed to play 31 of the club's 46 league matches, scoring 2 goals in the process. Nelson formed a defensive partnership with Danny Swailes. However, during the season Nelson suffered what he described as the worst injury of his career after suffering a collapsed lung and several cracked ribs after a collision during Bury's match against Wigan Athletic. Nelson had to have a drain inserted into his chest for several days while he was hospitalised. The injury threatened to keep him sidelined for three months but remarkably Nelson was able to resume training less than three weeks later.

Despite being dropped early on, Nelson's second season turned out to be even more successful as he played in 40 of Bury's 46 matches, scoring 5 goals. Nelson was made club captain and his performances earned him the respect of the club's players and fans. During that season, Bury manager Andy Preece hailed Nelson as "the best centre-half in Division Three".[2] However, Bury failed to gain promotion to League 1 as they missed out during the play-offs and Nelson was offered the chance to play in a higher division by several League 1 clubs.

Hartlepool United

The following season, Nelson joined Hartlepool United on the same day that Neale Cooper was appointed manager for a fee of around £70,000.[3] Nelson was seen as natural replacement for Graeme Lee who had joined Sheffield Wednesday. Nelson started strongly for Hartlepool and scored the winner from 30 yards during his debut in Hartlepool's 4–3 win over Peterborough. This goal almost earned him another award as it was on the shortlist for Hartlepool's Goal of the Season. He was also voted September's Player of the Month on the official Hartlepool website. Nelson began to form a strong partnership with Chris Westwood and the pair played together for the majority of Hartlepool's games. Nelson went on to play in 40 of Hartlepool's league matches and played in both legs of Hartlepool's play-off semi-final match against Bristol City. Nelson was in contention for Hartlepool's Fans and Players' Player of the season but he missed out to Jim Provett on both occasions.

However Nelson failed to maintain this through to the 2004–05 season and he handed in a transfer request.[4] His agent claimed that he'd been "promised" a better deal. This triggered a feud with Hartlepool chairman Ken Hodcroft who criticised Nelson and his agent. Nelson was missing in several of Hartlepool's matches and was rumoured to be signing for Hull City for a fee of around £100,000. However Nelson withdrew his transfer request and was reinstalled into the starting line-up. His performances earned him an improved contract and he was offered a new three-year contract that would tie him to the club until 2008.[5]

Nelson's third season of the club saw him receiving his first red card for Hartlepool after he retaliated and elbowed Jack Lester during Hartlepool's defeat to Nottingham Forest. He was the favoured central defender alongside Ben Clark during the 2006–07 campaign, playing a major part in the 18 game unbeaten run along with Dimitrios Konstantopoulos in goal. The season also saw him take the captain's armband in the absence on Michael Barron.

Nelson was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year for the 2006–07 season.[6]

Norwich City

In June 2009, Nelson agreed to join Norwich City, who had just been relegated to League One, on a two-year deal once his contract at Hartlepool expired at the end of the month.[7] He made his debut in the 7–1 opening-day thrashing at the hands of Colchester, and did not play for the first team again until the game against his former club Hartlepool later in August, in which he scored a magnificent overhead kick. It was his first goal for Norwich and put the Canaries on course for a 2–0 win at Victoria Park.[8] Nelson established himself as a regular starter following an injury to teammate Jens Berthel Askou in December. He subsequently formed a strong central defensive partnership with Gary Doherty as Norwich surged up the League One table, overhauling runaway leaders Leeds United in the process. On 17 April 2010, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory at Charlton Athletic which secured Norwich's return to the Championship at the first attempt.[9] Nelson's scored his third goal for Norwich in a 2–0 win over Gillingham.[10] In his second season, Nelson scored his fourth goal against Watford in a 3–2 loss in Norwich City's first match of the season.[11] Nelson scored his fifth and last goal for Norwich against Sheffield United in a 4–2 win.[12] Nelson remained in the first team for Norwich City until he suffered a foot injury. Following his return from injury, Nelson was targeting the first team but was deemed surplus to requirements by Canaries boss Paul Lambert as Lambert favoured Elliott Ward and Leon Barnett as their first choice centre back. Nelson is held in very high esteem by Norwich City fans for his performances during the successful League One campaign. He received a standing ovation from Carrow Road on his return with new club Scunthorpe United.

Scunthorpe United

He left the Canaries on deadline day in January 2011 for an undisclosed fee, joining Scunthorpe United, just an hour from the deadline.[13] Nelson made his debut for Scunthorpe United in a disastrous 5–1 defeat to Hull City.[14] At the end of the season, Scunthorpe were relegated to League One. Nelson scored his first goal for Scunthorpe in a 1–1 draw against Wycombe Wanderers.[15] Scunthorpe's poor form continued and at the end of 2011 the club was just above the relegation zone to League Two. In January 2012, Nelson was strongly linked with move away from Scunthorpe following a restructuring programme at the club.[16]

Kilmarnock

On 14 January 2012, Nelson signed for Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock, a two-and-a-half-year contract.[17] After the move, Manager Kenny Shiels described new signing Nelson as 'quality' and expected Nelson will be good asset in the second half of the season.[18] Shortly joining, Nelson revealed that then Norwich City manager Paul Lambert made a recommendation of Nelson joining Kilmarnock.[19] Nelson had to wait until on 4 February 2012 when he made his debut, playing in the central defence, in a 1–1 draw against Dunfermline Athletic. Then on 18 March, he played in the 2012 Scottish League Cup Final which Kilmarnock won after beating Celtic 1–0.[20] A week after the Scottish League Cup Final, Nelson scored his first goal for the club in a 4–3 thriller victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle[21] The next season, Nelson continued to retain his first team place until he left and start his new season when he scored his first goal in the second round of Scottish League Cup, in a 2–1 loss against Stenhousemuir and he soon scored his second goal for the club in a 2–1 loss against St Johnstone on 24 November 2012.

Bradford City
Nelson with the victory parade that followed Bradford City's victory in the 2013 Football League Two play-off Final

On 15 January 2013, Nelson agreed to join Bradford City on an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee.[22] Thirty days later, on 15 February 2013, when asked why Nelson was sold, Shiels then explained his decision selling Nelson, that he wanted to be close with his children and described his departure as a "big loss".[23] He made his debut on 2 February, in a 2–2 draw away to Fleetwood Town.[24] Nelson was an unused substitute as Bradford won promotion to League One by winning the 2013 Football League Two play-off Final.

Hibernian

On 1 August 2013 Nelson signed a two-year deal with Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, moving from Bradford City for a nominal transfer fee. He had then left the club after agreeing mutual termination of his contract.[25]

Cambridge United

On 26 August 2014 Nelson signed a one-year contract with League Two side Cambridge United shortly after agreeing mutual termination with his previous club Hibernian.[26] At the end of the 2014–15 season the club did not offer him a new deal when his contract expired.[27]

Barnet

Nelson joined Barnet on trial in 2015–16 pre-season, and signed a one-year deal on 3 August.[28] Nelson signed a new deal at the end of the season and extended his contract into a third year in summer 2017, also taking up a role as the club's under-23 team coach.[29] Following the appointment of Graham Westley as head coach, Nelson was appointed as his assistant for the first team,[30] but returned to playing duties following the appointment of Martin Allen.

Barnet claimed to have offered Nelson a new contract at the end of the 2017–18 season,[31] but this was disputed by the player himself.[32]

Chesterfield

Nelson signed a one-year deal with Chesterfield on 22 May 2018. Manager Martin Allen said "Michael is very old with great experience and good knowledge. He is a leader of men and he knows how to win games. He is as fit as a butcher's dog and he is a great man to work with."[33]

Gateshead

In the summer of 2019, Nelson signed for his home town club, Gateshead, as a player-coach;[34] he made his début in a 0–0 draw at A.F.C. Telford United on 10 August.[35]

Stevenage

Nelson was appointed assistant manager of Stevenage on 17 January 2020, once again assisting Graham Westley.[36] Nelson left the club a month later after Alex Revell was appointed manager.[37]

Blyth Spartans

Nelson returned to playing when he joined Blyth Spartans on 26 February 2020 until the end of the season.[38] A week later Nelson was then made player-manager after the departure of Lee Clark.

Despite being 6 points from safety, Nelson miracously kept Blyth up in his first game in management, with a sensational 5-2 defeat to Brackley.

Career statistics
As of match played 14 September 2019[39]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Bury 2000–01 Second Division 2100000021
2001–02 Second Division 302201020352
2002–03 Third Division 415103010465
Total 738304030838
Hartlepool United 2003–04 Second Division 423302010483
2004–05 League One 461502030561
2005–06 League One 432212000473
2006–07 League Two 421302020491
2007–08 League One 452202020512
2008–09 League One 465513010556
Total 264142021309030616
Norwich City 2009–10 League One 313200030363
2010–11 Championship 8200100092
Total 395201030455
Scunthorpe United 2010–11 Championship 200000000200
2011–12 League One 101202020161
Total 301202020361
Kilmarnock 2011–12 Scottish Premier League 151102000181
2012–13 Scottish Premier League 211101100232
Total 362203100413
Bradford City 2012–13 League Two 140000000140
Hibernian 2013–14 Scottish Premiership 332111020373
2014–15 Scottish Premiership 2000000020
Total 352111020393
Cambridge United 2014–15 League Two 333500000383
Barnet 2015–16 League Two 271002000291
2016–17 League Two 431101010461
2017–18 League Two 270001010290
Total 9721040201042
Chesterfield 2018–19 National League 130000000130
Gateshead 2019–20 National League North 101200010131
Blyth Spartans 2019–20 National League North 0000000000
Career Total 6443838328122073242

Managerial statistics
As of match played 7 March 2020
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
PWDLWin %
Blyth Spartans 4 March 2020 present 1 0 0 1 000.0

Honours

Club

Hartlepool United

Norwich City

Kilmarnock

Individual

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References
  1. "Professional retain lists & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. May 2013. p. 55. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  2. "Nelson's different class". Manchester Evening News. 8 May 2003. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  3. "Nelson sails into Hartlepool". Sky Sports. 26 June 2003. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  4. "Nelson asks for transfer". Sky Sports. 25 October 2004. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  5. "Nelson stays with Pools". Sky Sports. 9 July 2005. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  6. "Ronaldo secures PFA awards double". BBC Sport. 22 April 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  7. "Nelson set to join". Norwich City F.C. 19 June 2009. Archived from the original on 27 June 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  8. "Hartlepool vs Norwich". Norwich City F.C. 29 August 2009. Archived from the original on 4 October 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  9. "Charlton 0–1 Norwich". BBC Sport. 17 April 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  10. "Norwich City vs Gillingham". canaries.co.uk. Norwich City F.C. 24 April 2010. Archived from the original on 9 September 2010. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  11. "Norwich City vs Watford". canaries.co.uk. Norwich City F.C. 6 August 2010. Archived from the original on 23 August 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  12. "Norwich City vs Sheffield Utd". canaries.co.uk. Norwich City F.C. 28 December 2010. Archived from the original on 24 April 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
  13. "Nelson makes Iron move". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 1 February 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  14. "Scunthorpe United 1–5 Hull City". scunthorpe-united.co.uk. Scunthorpe United F.C. 5 February 2011. Archived from the original on 12 February 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  15. "Wycombe Wanderers 1–1 Scunthorpe United". scunthorpe-united.co.uk. Scunthorpe United F.C. 6 August 2011. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
  16. "Nelson set for Iron exit". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 5 January 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  17. "Shiels delight at Nelson deal". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
  18. "Shiels delight at Nelson deal". Sky Sports. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  19. "Michael Nelson thanks Paul Lambert for Kilmarnock move". BBC Sport. 2 February 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  20. "Celtic 0–1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  21. "Kilmarnock 4–3 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. 27 April 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  22. "Bradford City sign Kilmarnock's Michael Nelson". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  23. "Q&A: Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels". BBC Sport. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  24. "Fleetwood 2–2 Bradford" BBC Sport. 2 February 2013. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  25. "Nelson Joins Hibernian". Hibernian F.C. 1 August 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  26. "U'S SECURE NELSON SIGNING". Cambridge United. 27 August 2014.
  27. "U's retained list confirmed". Cambridge United. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
  28. Michael Nelson signs for the Bees!
  29. Breaking: Michael Nelson signs new contract with Barnet
  30. News | Michael Nelson confirmed as new Assistant Coach
  31. "John Akinde: Barnet put striker on transfer list after relegation to National League". BBC Sport. 8 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  32. michael nelson on Twitter: "Gaffa wanted me to sign a new deal & told the club that. He left a few days later. I contacted the club on 12th May & have had no contact since, ev...
  33. Third Deal Completed
  34. Michael Nelson - Gateshead FC First Team
  35. AFC Telford United vs. Gateshead - 10 August 2019 - Soccerway
  36. Michael Nelson Appointed To Coaching Staff
  37. Russell Slade brought in as Managerial Consultant
  38. Arrival | Experienced defender Nelson joins Blyth
  39. Michael Nelson at Soccerbase
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