Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Nelson: I turned down Palace and Reading to join Howe at Cherries
IN-demand Mitchell Nelson has revealed that Eddie Howe's blueprint helped swing his decision in favour of the Red Army.[LNB] The 20-year-old confirmed he opted for a Dean Court switch ahead of alternative moves to Reading and Crystal Palace largely because of Cherries' managerial duo and their footballing principles.[LNB] Nelson, a former Colchester trainee, was this month unveiled as one of six new signings as Howe builds a team to compete in League One next season.[LNB] And the versatile defender admitted the nature of his talks with Howe and Jason Tindall and the prospect of the pair helping him improve persuaded him to join Cherries.[LNB] The south Londoner, who enjoyed a productive campaign in the Ryman League with Tooting and Mitcham last season, is looking forward to settling into his new surroundings.[LNB] He told the Echo: Bournemouth appealed to me more because they can help me like the rest of the players.[LNB] Eddie and Jason are young and they can understand and relate to me more, and let me know what I need to do to become better as a player.[LNB] I liked the the team spirit they were talking about. I know a few of the lads, so I knew where they were coming from.[LNB] When you enjoy your football and are happy, you play your best. So if you are around a team with good spirit, you will be able to do that.[LNB] Describing what type of player supporters could expect to see, Nelson said: I play anywhere along the back but mostly full-back right-back.[LNB] I like getting forward but I've got to defend first. Once I defend first, then I like to get on and get it down and play, which was probably why I've come to Bournemouth as well.[LNB] Eddie and Jason said they play football and like to keep it down and play, but as a defender if it has to go, it has to go.[LNB] Following his release from Colchester, Nelson treaded the path familiar to many young players by dropping into the semi-pro game.[LNB] He added: A lot of young players are getting released from pro clubs and they are taking that step back to non-league to get experience.[LNB] I played about 49 games last season and I enjoyed it. It gave me a lot of experience.[LNB]
