Michael Nelson becomes latest ex-Hibs player to go into management

The former defender follows Didier Agathe
Michael Nelson has taken charge at Blyth Spartans. Picture: SNSMichael Nelson has taken charge at Blyth Spartans. Picture: SNS
Michael Nelson has taken charge at Blyth Spartans. Picture: SNS

Former Hibs defender Michael Nelson has been appointed Blyth Spartans manager.

The Englishman follows Didier Agathe who has taken over as Durham City boss and will also oversee the club’s academy.

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Nelson was put in charge of Blyth Spartans, who play in the National League North, following the departure of Lee Clark at the start of March having signed a week previously as a player.

Didier Agathe has become the new Durham City boss. Picture: SNSDidier Agathe has become the new Durham City boss. Picture: SNS
Didier Agathe has become the new Durham City boss. Picture: SNS

The 40-year-old has had previous coaching experience at Gateshead before working as assistant manager at Stevenage.

The team sat 21st in a 22-team league before the season was postponed.

Nelson, who made 39 appearances between 2013 and 2014 for Hibs, told the Blyth website: “I’m just pleased to get it done, especially with all the uncertainty.

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“It was unexpected when it first happened a few months ago but when the coronavirus happened, I’ve been in regular contact with everyone at the club.

“I’ve had meetings and there have been a lot of emails exchanged, so it’s something that we have all been working on together.

“I’m extremely delighted to be given the opportunity. It’s a club with a very proud history.”

Meanwhile, Agathe takes charges of Durham City of the Northern League Division Two. The team sat bottom prior to postponement.

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The former wideman, who set up an academy in Réunion, is seen as a popular appointment for the club.

He said: “It’s a great challenge and a great club. This is a really exciting project to be involved in.

“The club is looking to build on and off the pitch and I’m really looking forward to playing a big part in this journey.

“I’m really excited about this role. I’ve been coaching since my retirement, working with my Academy for over ten years and I’m excited to transfer my knowledge and experience to build a fantastic academy for Durham City.

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“I’m looking to build something here based on discipline, commitment and hard work.

“I want to build an exciting team that will win games and bring back the fans to Durham.

“There are good players here, we are in the process of adding some players to complement the current squad and I can’t wait to get working with them.”