Michael Nelson became Norwich City's third signing of the 2009 summer when he signed a two year deal on 19th June 2009. The 29-year-old central defender was a free agent having turned down a new contract offer at Hartlepool

At 6ft 2ins tall he fits the bill and his description of what he brings to the Carrow Road party is simple: “No nonsense defending".

City beat off interest from the Championship - thought to be newly-promoted Scunthorpe - to land Nelson, but the north-east native says the decision was an easy one to make. “I went to have a look around a Championship club came and had a look around here and I made my decision. I don't think I'll regret it. I think once you come down here the club doesn't really need selling to you. You have a look round the stadium and around the training ground and it speaks for itself.”

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 in 2001

He made 74 appearances for Bury, scoring 8 goals and was named club captain. In 2003, he transferred to Hartlepool for £70,000.

Michael made his debut for Norwich in the 7-1 shock home defeat to Colchester on the opening day of the 2009/10 season. He finished the season with 36 appearances and 3 goals as City won the League One title.

Nelson left the Canaries on deadline day in January 2011 for an undisclosed fee, joining Scunthorpe United, just an hour from the deadline. Manager Paul Lambert explaining that Nelson as a true professional deserved a shot at an extended contract. Nelson and Andy Hughes, signed from Leeds, were added to the Scunthorpe squad by manager Ian Barraclough to add experience. However it was in vain as Scunthorpe were relegated to League One on 30th April 2011 following a 5-1 defeat to Notts Forest.

On 14th January 2012, Nelson joined Scottish side Kilmarnock on a two and a half year deal.