Interview | Nelson hails 1899 Club and Future Fund after Elsdon signing

Blyth Spartans manager Michael Nelson has hailed the impact of the Future Fund and the 1899 Club following the signing of Matthew Elsdon from Barrow.

Alongside the continued support of our 1899 Club members and money raised from the Future Fund so far, Nelson was able to snap up Elsdon, just a few weeks after his release from the National League champions.

The former Norwich City defender believes, without those two areas, Elsdon could have been poached by a club elsewhere.

He told blythspartans.com: "Without the Future Fund and the continued support of everyone in the 1899 Club, I don't think we would have been able to get Matthew signed up so quickly.

"We might have got it done eventually but there will have been a huge risk of losing out on him to someone else.

"He is a local lad and there has been interest from other clubs in the area, so the success of those two areas has been a massive help in allowing us to get it done so quickly after Matty left Barrow."

Nelson also revealed his efforts to build his squad for the upcoming season are ongoing and explained the current state of play.

"It is still ongoing in terms of leagues still being active because of the play-offs, right down from League Two, National League and National League North and South," he added.

"There are a lot of players who are still tied up but once the play-offs end, some of those players could be available.

"You've then got other players who are available currently but are possibly waiting to see what happens with those teams in the play-offs. Some players don't want to commit at the moment.

"There is no mad rush at the minute but there probably will be a fallout of players coming out of higher leagues and falling down with the way the coronavirus has hit.

"We're trying to do our utmost to get as much information and research as we can to make sure we bring the right players in.

"We are speaking to players but we won't just be signing players for their ability, they need to be the right characters too.

"They have to be a good fit for the club and have the hunger and the drive to make the club a success."

How can I donate to the Future Fund?

If you'd like to help boost Michael's playing budget for next season, you can make a one-off donation via our Go Fund Me Page - by clicking HERE.

How can I join the 1899 Club?

If you'd like to boost Michael's playing budget by making a monthly contribution, our 1899 Club is always open to new members.

The minimum cost to you will be £5 per calendar month, but you can purchase additional draw numbers for an additional £5 per month.

1. E-mail your name, address and the number of draw numbers you require to [email protected]
2. You will receive back your exclusive membership and draw number plus the clubs bank details.
3. You will then need to arrange with your bank the monthly standing order. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ASK YOUR BANK TO USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AS A REFERENCE ON THE SO
4. Your SO should commence on or around the 20^th of each month. The draw will be made in the 2^nd week of each following month.

If anyone requires further information they can contact Mike Coulson on 01670 352373 or [email protected]

As a result, you will automatically be entered into a monthly draw, where you cash win cash prizes, hospitality tickets, and more!