Blyth Spartans player takes over as manager until the end of the season following the departure of Lee Clark and Paul Stephenson last week.
That man is Michael Nelson, a former Scunthorpe, Norwich, Hartlepool, Bury, Kilmarnock, Bradford, Hibernian, Cambridge, Barnet and Chesterfield defender.
He took charge of the Green Army’s National League North fixture at Brackley Town, however ended up seeing his side losing 5-2.
The recently assistant manager to Graham Westley at Stevenage spoke to blythspartans.com on the appointment.
He said: “Blyth Spartans has got a lot of history and very passionate supporters. It’s something that I wasn’t expecting so soon – even at all.
“Paul got in touch when I left Stevenage and asked me to come in and help out on a playing basis.
“I went down to Stevenage and was looking forward to that but it didn’t last too long. Things have obviously developed massively since then so it’s been a bit of a whirlwind.
“What has transpired over the last day – it has all been a bit of a surprise. I am delighted to be manager but obviously disappointed for Paul and Lee.
“They’ve had a tough run through the season. I’m disappointed that they’ve brought me in and I hadn’t had a chance to play under them or reward them for showing faith in me.
“I’m still registered as a player so it will basically be a case of if I think I need to play when I still can. If not, then I’ll be in the dugout. We’ll just take it as it comes.
“Being player-coach at Gateshead will help massively in terms of knowing the level and knowing the type of teams we are coming up against.
“I worked at this level for the first half of the season reviewing games etc and trying to come up with a plan that tries to counteract the opposition.
“My time at Gateshead will be invaluable.”
Nelson also alluded to Spartans’ position in the National League North table, who are fighting against the drop.
“All we can do is to aim to win as many games as possible,” Nelson admitted. “I’ll meet with the players on Thursday night ahead of Saturday and take it from there.
“It’s a cliche but we just have to take it one game at a time and try and make sure we get enough points on the board to get us where we want to be.”
Fans wished the Blyth Spartans player luck as he takes over as manager until end of the season…
@mnelse6 Good luck lad
— Monkeyhanger (@Monkeyhanger3) March 4, 2020
It's never boring in your life is it @mnelse6 ???
— Howard Gunstock (@howard_gunstock) March 4, 2020
One of footballs good guys Michael Nelson. Legend at Hartlepool and elsewhere. Best of luck. @mnelse6
— Lord Lucan (@LordLuc49540570) March 4, 2020
Legend player. A true football lover too. All the best to all of you.
— Ainsley (@mainsley23) March 4, 2020
All the best at this legendary club. @mnelse6
??⚽️⚽️— Philip Price (@dp_pricey) March 5, 2020
Best wishes Michael and sorry my club treated you so poorly. Wish you were still here!
— Patrick Jackson (@Rateus_Johanson) March 5, 2020
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