Former Norwich City favourite Michael Nelson has been named as the new manager of Blyth Spartans.

The Pink Un: Michael Nelson celebrates his famous goal for Norwich City at Charlton in April 2010 Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images LtdMichael Nelson celebrates his famous goal for Norwich City at Charlton in April 2010 Picture: Alex Broadway/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Focus Images 2010)

Nelson had been put in charge of the first team in March until the end of the current season, but saw his spell in the dugout cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. He had taken over following the departure of former Canaries assistant manager Lee Clark.

Nelson said: “I’m just pleased to get it done, especially with all the uncertainty. It was unexpected when it first happened a few months ago but when the coronavirus happened, I’ve been in regular contact with everyone at the club. I’ve had meetings and there have been a lot of emails exchanged, so it’s something that we have all been working on together.

“I’m extremely delighted to be given the opportunity. It’s a club with a very proud history.”

This will be Nelson’s first managerial role following a long and successful career in professional football. He has since completed his Uefa A Licence.

Nelson represented the likes of Bury, Hartlepool United, City, Scunthorpe, Kilmarnock, Bradford City, Hibernian, Cambridge and Barnet as a player. He moved to Careow Road in the summer of 2009, signed by Bryan Gunn, and made 35 league starts, scoring five goals, including one in 1-0 win at Charlton in April 2010 when the Canaries sealed their return to the Championship at the first attempt. He left City in January 2011, moving to Scunthorpe.

Nelson joined Blyth in February as a player, then took caretaker charge a week later when Clark departed. Nelson had been with Blyth for their National League North game at King’s Lynn Town in January but did not feature in the squad. He spent six years of his career at Hartlepool, where he made over 300 appearances – including an appearance in the 2005 League One play-off final.

Prior to moving to Croft Park, Nelson was a player-coach at North East rivals Gateshead before becoming assistant manager at League Two side Stevenage.

Chairman Tony Platten said: “I am pleased to say that we are now addressing matters for next season, whenever that might be. Micky has a wealth of experience at all levels of football. He has already started work on the squad he would like for next season.”