Arrival | Experienced defender Nelson joins Blyth

Photo credit: Emilo Andres Leal Kirtley

Blyth Spartans are pleased to announce the signing of former Hartlepool United defender Michael Nelson on a deal until the end of the season.

The experienced defender joins having left his assistant manager role at League Two side Stevenage earlier this month.

Nelson had a successful career in professional football with the likes of Bury, Hartlepool, Norwich City, Scunthorpe, Kilmarnock, Bradford City, Hibernian, Cambridge and Barnet.

He spent six years of his career at Pools, where he made over 300 appearances - including a Wembley appearance in the 2005 League One play-off final.

Last season, he signed a one-year deal with National League side Chesterfield before joining Gateshead in the summer in a player-coach role.

Nelson appeared 14 times for The Heed and was an unused substitute in the Boxing Day and New Year fixtures with Blyth.

And after a brief spell in a full-time coaching in the Football League, Nelson has returned to the North East to join Blyth as a player ahead of the final 10 games of the campaign.

Manager Lee Clark said: "Michael obviously has a wealth of experience at all levels of the game.

"He is a standout leader in all aspects of the game and last Saturday, especially first half, we lacked a dominant leader in the team

"He will help all players with his knowledge and know-how of the game. I'm delighted to get his quality and experience onboard."