Former Norwich City and Hartlepool United defender lands South Shields FC academy role
Michael Nelson has landed a new role within the academy setup at South Shields.
Former Hartlepool United and Norwich City defender Michael Nelson has landed a new role within the academy setup at South Shields FC.
The 46-year-old will offer vast experience from his playing career after he made over 700 senior appearances featuring for the likes of Pools, Norwich, Bury and Kilmarnock before moving into coaching and managerial roles with Stevenage, Barnet and Blyth Spartans. Nelson returned to former club Hartlepool in 2022 as assistant manager to caretaker boss Graeme Lee and the duo helped guide the Victoria Park club into the fourth round of the FA Cup before their run came to a brave end with a 2-0 defeat at Premier League club Crystal Palace. They also came within touching distance of a place at Wembley after suffering a penalty shoot-out defeat against Rotherham United in the Papa Johns Trophy semi-final.
After holding a coaching role at Scunthorpe United, Nelson returned to the North East with a role as academy manager and first-team coach at Northern League club Park View - but he will now form part of the Mariners academy setup after he was named as new lead coach of their Under-19s’ side earlier this week.
A Mariners statement read: “Combining decades of experience across every level of the game with proven leadership and coaching expertise, Nelson's knowledge, professionalism, and player development background make him an ideal addition to the club's academy. Welcome to South Shields FC, Michael!”
In a post on social media, the former Pools defender added: Delighted to have joined South Shields FC Academy as Lead U19 coach and can’t wait for the season to start.”
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