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Michael John Nelson (born 23 March, 1980 in Gateshead) is an English professional footballer who...

Michael John Nelson (born 23 March, 1980 in Gateshead) is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for Football League One side Norwich City. Nelson started his playing career as a semi-professional, playing for non league teams such as Spennymoor United, Leek Town and Bishop Auckland. Nelson’s performances attracted the attention of league clubs who sent scouts to watch him. Nelson was given a trial at Hartlepool but he was not offered a contract by the then Hartlepool manager Chris Turner. However Nelson was offered a contract at Bury by manager Andy Preece after Bury scout Peter Ward convinced him to give Nelson a chance. Once Nelson had settled down to professional football, he gradually became a first team regular and during his first full season at Bury he managed to play 31 of the clubs 46 league matches, scoring 2 goals in the process. Nelson formed a defensive partnership with Danny Swailes. However during the season Nelson suffered what he described as ‘‘the worst injury of his career’’ after suffering a collapsed lung and several cracked ribs after a collision during Bury’s match against Wigan Athletic. Nelson had to have a drain inserted into