Stuart Nelson - Career

Career

Born in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Nelson started his career at Cheltenham youth club FC Battledown. He also played for the Cirencester College Football Academy team, under the management of ex-Wales international Steve Lowndes. County Cup success led to him being spotted by Northern Premier League side Hucknall Town after a spell with Doncaster Rovers. Nelson joined Brentford from Hucknall in February 2004 for a fee of £10,000. He completed his first full season with Brentford in 2004–05, maintaining 21 clean sheets and helping the team into the promotion play-offs.

Nelson was appointed club captain for the 2006–07 season. However, a ligament injury picked up in October meant that he was unable to play again until 2007. He returned and played 6 games towards the end of the season.

He was released by Brentford on 16 May 2007. He signed for Leyton Orient in summer 2007, but left less than a year later by mutual consent due to relocating issues. On 1 August 2008 Norwich City confirmed the signing of Nelson after he impressed Glenn Roeder while on trial at Carrow Road. He was released at the end of his one-year contract the following summer having made no first team appearances.

On 27 July 2009, he signed a one-year contract with Scottish Premier League team Aberdeen.

On 23 June 2010, he signed a two-year contract with League One team Notts County. Upon his signing for Notts County, he became the first choice goalkeeper; a position he retained in the 2011/12 season. However, on 9 May 2012, he was released by Notts County along with 12 of his team mates.

On 20 July 2012, Nelson signed for Football League Two side Gillingham on a free transfer, on a two-year deal. He made his debut for Gillingham on 18 August 2012 against Bradford City.