Michael Nelson

After a couple of unsuccessful Pools trials as a youngster, centre-back Michael Nelson drifted into non-league football with Bishop Auckland before being snapped up by Bury. He made rapid progress at the Lancashire club and was captain and player of the year as Bury made the third division playoffs in 2002/03. Defeat against Bournemouth in the playoff semi-final denied Bury promotion but Nelson had by this time caught the eye of Pools manager Mike Newell. Pools took advantage of Bury`s limited finances to snap up Nelson for a bargain price of £70000. Newell didn`t last to secure the signing and Nelson actually arrived at the club on the same day as Newell`s successor Neale Cooper.

Nelson made his debut on the opening day of the 2003/04 season at Peterborough. He augmented a commanding defensive performance with a stunning late 25 yard drive to secure a 4-3 win. Throughout the next four seasons Nelson turned in a host of impressive performances, picking up a number of awards from supporters and journalists alike, including two Player of the Season accolades from the supporters.

Having played a significant role in helping Pools to a club record 25 clean sheets as they won promotion in 2006/07, the next two seasons were difficult ones for Nelson as the team struggled defensively. He was still almost ever-present during this period and he reached the milestone of 300 appearances toward the end of the 2008/09 season.

Nelson was offered a new contract in the summer of 2009 but turned it down as he decided to look elsewhere to continue his career. He agreed to join fellow League One club Norwich City in June 2009.