This week marks 10 years since Norwich City recorded promotion from League One at the Valley – a day Michael Nelson will never forget.
The defender has emerged from that era as something of a cult hero, and the Gateshead-born central defender has vivid memories of a day that ranks at the top of his career.
Nelson is currently managing non-league outfit Blyth Spartans after taking over from former City coach Lee Clark, but has only been in charge of one fixture prior to the season’s suspension due to coronavirus.
With his surname having deep historical connotations with the county, it’s little mystery why Nelson suddenly became the Admiral.
That nickname is one that has stuck, and Nelson admits he enjoys it.
“It has stuck,” he said. “Every time I get a mention from a Norwich City fan on Twitter, I’ll always get the Admiral as my name. It’s a nice one to have and I quite enjoyed it when I got named that.”
He spent one and a half years with the Canaries, playing a significant part in City’s title-winning campaign from League One.
Nelson’s goal against Charlton Athletic secured promotion, and it’s a day that lives long in his memory.
“It was an unbelievable day, really. The goal itself is right up there with the top moments in my career. For the fans, even though the lads who were playing in that game weren’t there the last time (when City had been relegated), it was a bit of redemption to go to the Valley and get promoted there.
“The support we got, not just on that day but every time we went away, was ridiculous. I remember going to Southend on a Tuesday night and we filled the goal and halfway down the side of the pitch, it was ridiculous,” Nelson added.
“It was a brilliant day from start to finish. To hang on and to see the game out and know that when the final whistle went we were promoted was a massive relief. You could sense it from everyone.
“You’ve got to give big Fraser Forster a mention for that game as well, he was outstanding in keeping a clean sheet during that game.”
- Read from Michael Nelson on his Norwich City career at www.pinkun.com tomorrow morning.
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