Stuart Nelson
Nelson playing for Aberdeen in 2009
Personal information
Full name Stuart James Nelson[1]
Date of birth (1981-09-17) 17 September 1981 (age 42)
Place of birth Stroud, England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
 Cirencester Town
Number 1
Youth career
FC Battledown
Cirencester College Football Academy
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2000 Cirencester Town
2000–2002 Millwall 0 (0)
2002–2003 Doncaster Rovers 2 (0)
2003–2004 Hucknall Town 20 (0)
2004–2007 Brentford 116 (0)
2007–2008 Leyton Orient 30 (0)
2008–2009 Norwich City 0 (0)
2009–2010 Aberdeen 3 (0)
2010–2012 Notts County 79 (0)
2012–2018 Gillingham 195 (0)
2018–2020 Yeovil Town 40 (0)
2020–2021 Crawley Town 1 (0)
2021 Dorking Wanderers 7 (0)
2022 Sutton United 2 (0)
2022–2023 Dover Athletic 39 (0)
2023- Cirencester Town 0 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11:06, 14 August 2023 (UTC)

Stuart James Nelson (born 17 September 1981) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Dover Athletic.

Career

Born in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Nelson started his career at Cheltenham youth club FC Battledown.[3] He also played for the Cirencester College Football Academy team, Millwall and Cirencester Town.[1][3] County Cup success led to him being spotted by Northern Premier League side Hucknall Town after a spell with Doncaster Rovers.

Brentford

Nelson joined Brentford from Hucknall in February 2004 for a fee of £10,000. He was sent off on his debut against Brighton & Hove Albion.[4] He completed his first full season with Brentford in 2004–05, maintaining 21 clean sheets and helping the team into the promotion play-offs.[5] He signed a new two-year contract in August 2005.[6]

Nelson was appointed club captain for the 2006–07 season and scored the decisive penalty in a League Cup first round shootout win over Swindon Town.[7] However, a ligament injury picked up in October meant that he was unable to play again until 2007.[8] He returned and played 6 games towards the end of the season.[9] He was released by Brentford on 16 May 2007.[10]

Leyton Orient

Nelson 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.[11] He was released at the end of his one-year contract the following summer having made no first team appearances.

Aberdeen

On 27 July 2009, Nelson signed a one-year contract with Scottish Premier League team Aberdeen.[12] In May 2010 Nelson turned down an offer of a new contract.

Notts County

On 23 June 2010, Nelson signed a two-year contract with League One team Notts County.[13] 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 teammates.[14]

Gillingham

On 20 July 2012, Nelson signed for Football League Two side Gillingham on a free transfer, on a two-year deal.[15] He made his debut for Gillingham on 18 August 2012 against Bradford City. In his first season with the club Nelson won the League Two title and was runner up at the Player of the Season awards.[16]

He received the club's player of the year award for the 2013–14 season.[17] In May 2014, Nelson signed a new two-year contract,[18] and in June 2016 signed a further two-year contract with the club.[19] He was named Vice-Captain for the 2016–17 season. He made his 200th start for the team in December 2016.[20] On 5 December 2017, Nelson made his 223rd competitive appearance for Gillingham which took him to 3rd on all time appearances for a goalkeeper for the club. Only Ron Hillyard (1st) and John Simpson (2nd) have played more times in goal for the club.[21] The following month, however, Nelson left Gillingham having agreed the termination of his contract.[22]

Yeovil Town

On 20 February 2018, Nelson signed for League Two side Yeovil Town until the end of the season.[23] He signed a new contract with Yeovil at the end of the 2017–18 season.[24] He was released at the end of the 2019–20 season as a result of budget cuts.[25]

Crawley Town

On 7 November 2020, Nelson signed for League Two side Crawley Town on a three-month deal.[26] On 12 January 2021, Nelson signed a contract extension to remain at the club until the end of the 2020-21 season.[27]

Dorking Wanderers

On 8 October 2021, Nelson signed for National League South side Dorking Wanderers.[28] On 8 December 2021, it was confirmed that Nelson had left the club.[29]

Sutton United

On 15 January 2022, Nelson signed for League Two side Sutton United.[30] Nelson was released at the end of the season having made two appearances for the club.[31]

Dover Athletic

On 18 June 2022, Nelson agreed to join recently relegated National League South club Dover Athletic.[32]

Personal life

Nelson played rugby as a youngster and represented Gloucestershire.[5]

Career statistics

As of match played 7 May 2022
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Doncaster Rovers 2002–03[33] Football Conference 2 0 0 0 — 0 0 2 0
Hucknall Town 2003–04[34] Northern Premier League No appearance data available
Brentford 2003–04[34] League Two 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0
2004–05[35] League One 43 0 9 0 1 0 2[a] 0 55 0
2005–06[36] League One 45 0 6 0 1 0 2[a] 0 54 0
2006–07[9] League One 19 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 21 0
Total 116 0 15 0 4 0 4 0 139 0
Leyton Orient 2007–08[37] League One 30 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 33 0
Norwich City 2008–09 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Aberdeen 2009–10[38] Scottish Premier League 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Notts County 2010–11[39] League One 33 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 38 0
2011–12[40] League One 46 0 4 0 1 0 1[b] 0 52 0
Total 79 0 7 0 3 0 1 0 90 0
Gillingham 2012–13[41] League Two 45 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 48 0
2013–14[42] League One 46 0 2 0 1 0 1[b] 0 50 0
2014–15[43] League One 24 0 1 0 0 0 5[b] 0 30 0
2015–16[44] League One 46 0 1 0 2 0 2[b] 0 51 0
2016–17[45] League One 34 0 2 0 3 0 3[b] 0 42 0
2017–18[46] League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 2[b] 0 2 0
Total 195 0 7 0 8 0 13 0 223 0
Yeovil Town 2017–18[46] League Two 5 0 — — — 5 0
2018–19[47] League Two 12 0 0 0 0 0 1[b] 0 13 0
2019–20[48] National League 23 0 2 0 — 2[c] 0 27 0
Total 40 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 45 0
Crawley Town 2020–21[49] League Two 1 0 1 0 0 0 1[b] 0 3 0
Dorking Wanderers 2021–22[50] National League South 7 0 2 0 — 1[d] 0 10 0
Sutton United 2021–22[51] League Two 2 0 — — 0 0 2 0
Career total 475 0 35 0 17 0 23 0 550 0
  1. ^ a b Appearances in the League One play-offs
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Appearances in the Football League Trophy
  3. ^ One appearance in the FA Trophy, one appearance in National League play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in the FA Trophy

Honours

Gillingham

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b "Stuart Nelson". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Stuart Nelson". www.crawleytownfc.com. Crawley Town F.C. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Stuart Nelson – Goalkeeper – First Team – Gillingham". www.gillinghamfootballclub.com. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  4. ^ "Brighton 1-0 Brentford". BBC. 2 March 2004. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Brentford | News | Where Are They Now? | Where Are They Now? | WHERE ARE THEY NOW?". world.brentfordfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  6. ^ "Brentford | News | Latest News | Latest News | MARTIN'S THURSDAY UPDATE". world.brentfordfc.co.uk. 4 August 2005. Archived from the original on 22 February 2018. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  7. ^ "BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Brentford | Rosenior praises Cup hero Nelson". news.bbc.co.uk. 23 August 2006. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  8. ^ "BBC SPORT – Football – My Club – Brentford – Nelson ruled out until next year". bbc.co.uk. December 2006. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  10. ^ "BBC SPORT – Football – My Club – Brentford – Bees sign Mackie after clear-out". bbc.co.uk. 16 May 2007. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  11. ^ "'KEEPER VACANCY FILLED BY NELSON – Norwich City – News – First News – First News". premiumtv.co.uk. 3 August 2008. Archived from the original on 12 March 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  12. ^ "Aberdeen – News and Features – Club News – Club News – Aberdeen complete signing". premiumtv.co.uk. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  13. ^ "Nelson signs two-year deal". Notts County F.C. 23 June 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  14. ^ "BBC Sport – Notts County release keeper Nelson but Edwards offered deal". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  15. ^ "Gillingham bring Stuart Nelson, Ben Strevens and Charlie Allen to Priestfield". Kent Online. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  16. ^ "Adam Barrett, Stuart Nelson, Bradley Dack and Matt Fish scoop awards at the Gillingham player-of-the-year event". Kent Online. 30 April 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  17. ^ a b "Keeper Stuart Nelson wins Gills' player-of-the-year award". Kent Online. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  18. ^ "STUART NELSON SIGNS TWO YEAR CONTRACT". Gillingham FC. 8 May 2014.
  19. ^ "Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson signs a new deal at Gillingham". 22 June 2016. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  20. ^ "Nelson's No.1 again". Kent Online. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  21. ^ "New challenge for Nels". Kent Online. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  22. ^ "Nels calls time on Gills career". Kent Online. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  23. ^ "Stuart Nelson: Yeovil Town sign former Gillingham keeper until end of the season". BBC Sport. 20 February 2018. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  24. ^ "Yeovil Town retained list: Stuart Nelson signs new deal, while four depart". BBC Sport. 10 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  25. ^ Palmer, Jon (31 August 2020). "Why Gloucestershire-born goalkeeper has no intention of retiring". GloucestershireLive. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  26. ^ "Reds sign goalkeeper Nelson". Crawley Town F.C. 7 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  27. ^ "Stuart Nelson to remain a red until the end of the season". Crawley Town FC. 12 January 2021.
  28. ^ "Dorking Wanderers confirm the signing of experienced goalkeeper Stuart Nelson". Dorking Wanderers FC. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  29. ^ "First Team Player Update". Dorking Wanderers FC. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  30. ^ "Stevenage v Sutton preview and squad news". www.suttonunited.net. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  31. ^ "Trio released". www.suttonunited.net. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  32. ^ "HESS GETS HIS NUMBER ONE". www.doverathletic.com. 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  33. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  34. ^ a b "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  35. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  36. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  37. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  38. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  39. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  40. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  41. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  42. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  43. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  44. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  45. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  46. ^ a b "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  47. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  48. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  49. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  50. ^ "S. Nelson: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  51. ^ "Games played by Stuart Nelson in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  52. ^ Cawdell, Luke (20 April 2020). "Looking back at the day Gillingham won the League 2 title at Priestfield in front of a sell-out crowd". KentOnline. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  53. ^ "Gareth Bale wins PFA Player of Year and Young Player awards". BBC Sport. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2018.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stuart Nelson.
Dover Athletic F.C. – current squad
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