:Scott Neilson

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Scott Neilson

| image =

| caption =

| fullname = Scott Steven Neilson

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|5|15|df=y}}

| birth_place = Enfield, England

| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}{{cite web | title = Player Profile | url = http://www.crawleytownfc.com/team/player-profile/index.aspx?playerid=391694 | publisher = Crawley Town F.C | access-date = 19 September 2012 | archive-date = 9 February 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150209213001/http://www.crawleytownfc.com/team/player-profile/index.aspx?playerid=391694 | url-status = live }}

| position = Midfielder

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Norwich City

| youthyears2 = | youthclubs2 = Charlton Athletic

| years1 = 2005–2006 | clubs1 = Hertford Town | caps1 = 26 | goals1 = 4

| years2 = 2006–2008 | clubs2 = Ware | caps2 = 62 | goals2 = 34

| years3 = 2008–2009 | clubs3 = Cambridge City | caps3 = 48 | goals3 = 13

| years4 = 2009–2010 | clubs4 = Bradford City | caps4 = 24 | goals4 = 1

| years5 = 2010 | clubs5 = → Cambridge United (loan) | caps5 = 14 | goals5 = 3

| years6 = 2010–2013 | clubs6 = Crawley Town | caps6 = 57 | goals6 = 8

| years7 = 2012 | clubs7 = → Grimsby Town (loan) | caps7 = 10 | goals7 = 1

| years8 = 2013 | clubs8 = Luton Town | caps8 = 8 | goals8 = 1

| years9 = 2013–2015 | clubs9 = Grimsby Town | caps9 = 56 | goals9 = 11

| years10 = 2015–2016 |clubs10 = Whitehawk |caps10 = 30 |goals10 = 10

| years11 = 2016–2017 |clubs11 = Hemel Hempstead Town |caps11 = 12 |goals11 = 1

| years12 = 2017 |clubs12 = Royston Town |caps12 = 2 |goals12 = 0

| totalcaps = 349 | totalgoals = 87

| nationalyears1 = | nationalteam1 = Wales schoolboy | nationalcaps1 = | nationalgoals1 =

}}

Scott Steven Neilson (born 15 May 1987) is an English-born Welsh former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Neilson started his career alongside his brother, at first Hertford Town and then Ware, before he earned a move to Cambridge City. He made his name in non-league as a goal-scoring winger and he came to the attention of a number of league clubs. He had trials with three of them and eventually won a move to League Two side Bradford City. He scored a goal on his full debut but Bradford soon changed manager and Neilson dropped back into non-league, first out on loan to Cambridge United and then signed by Crawley Town, having spent less than 12 months with Bradford. Neilson spent a short but successful loan spell with Grimsby Town in 2012, and then joined Luton on a short-term contract in January 2013 before his release a few months later. He returned to Grimsby permanently before joining Whitehawk.

Early life

Neilson was born on 15 May 1987 in Enfield, London, to David and Amanda Neilson,{{cite web |url=http://www.trevor.jones4.btinternet.co.uk/Tree.htm |publisher=Trevor Jones |title=Jones tree |access-date=2009-08-30|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121015200057/http://www.trevor.jones4.btinternet.co.uk/Tree.htm|archive-date=15 October 2012}} the latter who was born in Swansea.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Welsh-dream-star-Cliff-s-grandson-Scott/article-1518654-detail/article.html |title=Welsh dream of star Cliff's grandson Scott |newspaper=South Wales Evening Post |first=Chris |last=Barney |date=17 November 2009 |access-date=2010-09-18 |archive-date=5 May 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505104935/http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Welsh-dream-star-Cliff-s-grandson-Scott/article-1518654-detail/article.html |url-status=live }} He has an older brother, Tony.{{cite news |url=http://www.channelonline.tv/channelonline_guernseynews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=397884 |title=Ware woe at Wodson Park |date=8 March 2009 |access-date=2010-08-18 |publisher=Guernsey News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716105415/http://www.channelonline.tv/channelonline_guernseynews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=397884 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=dead }} His maternal grandfather is Cliff Jones, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Welsh international footballer,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8225907.stm |title=Winger Neilson signs Bantams deal |date=28 August 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001249/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8225907.stm |url-status=live }} whose father Ivor and brother Bryn were also professional footballers and Welsh internationals.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Cliff-Jones/article-275509-detail/article.html |title=Cliff Jones |date=18 August 2008 |access-date=2010-09-16 |publisher=This Is South Wales |archive-date=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913051320/http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Cliff-Jones/article-275509-detail/article.html |url-status=live }} Neilson has also worked as a plumber.{{cite news |url=http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/article.asp?aid=4592&iid=139&sud=215 |title=Freak Show's No Laughing Matter |date=10 August 2008 |access-date=2009-09-14 |newspaper=The Non-League Paper |first=Stuart |last=Hammonds |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717021620/http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/article.asp?aid=4592&iid=139&sud=215 |archive-date=17 July 2011 }}

Career

=Non-league=

Neilson was a member of Norwich City's youth teams at the age of 11,{{cite news |url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/sport/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=Sport&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED02+Jul+2009+18%3A34%3A16%3A060 |title=Neilson aims to impress |date=2 July 2009 |access-date=2010-09-16 |newspaper=Eastern Daily Press}} went on to Charlton Athletic and also won schoolboy honours for Wales. His senior career started at his brother Tony's club Hertford Town of the Isthmian League in 2005. He was top goalscorer for the reserves when he made his debut on 25 October in an Isthmian League Associate Members Trophy game against Clapton,{{cite news |url=http://www.hertfordtownfc.co.uk/claptonamthome.htm |title=Hertford Town 1 Clapton 2 |date=25 October 2005 |access-date=2010-09-15 |publisher=Hertford Town F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803204407/http://www.hertfordtownfc.co.uk/claptonamthome.htm |archive-date=3 August 2012 }} before going on to play 15 games in his first season and scoring one goal.{{cite web |url=http://www.hertfordtownfc.co.uk/appearances0506.html |title=Player appearances season 2005–6 |access-date=2010-03-07 |publisher=Hertford Town F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420101850/http://www.hertfordtownfc.co.uk/appearances0506.html |archive-date=20 April 2013 }} In his second season, he played 24 games upping his goal tally by another nine,{{cite web |url=http://www.hertfordtownfc.co.uk/appearances0607.htm |title=Hertford Town F.C. player appearances season 2006–7 |access-date=2010-08-29 |publisher=Hertford Town F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420210757/http://www.hertfordtownfc.co.uk/appearances0607.htm |archive-date=20 April 2013 }} before he earned a move in December 2006 to Ware{{cite news |url=http://www.herald24.co.uk/news/bradford_city_snap_up_ex_ware_and_hertford_starlet_1_56592 |title=Bradford City snap up ex-Ware and Hertford starlet |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |work=East Herts Herald|archive-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928224838/http://www.herald24.co.uk/news/bradford_city_snap_up_ex_ware_and_hertford_starlet_1_56592 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.hertfordtownfc.co.uk/oxheyaway30_12.htm |title=Oxhey Jets 1 Hertford Town 1 |date=30 December 2006 |access-date=2009-08-29 |publisher=Hertford Town F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803054555/http://www.hertfordtownfc.co.uk/oxheyaway30_12.htm |archive-date=3 August 2012 }} – a second club where his brother also played. In one game in January 2008, Neilson came off the bench to score four goals for Ware against Tilbury in a 5–2 victory.{{cite news |url=http://www.herald24.co.uk/sport/great_scott_nets_four_1_29518 |title=Great Scott nets four |date=8 January 2008 |access-date=2010-03-07 |work=East Herts Herald|archive-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928224725/http://www.herald24.co.uk/sport/great_scott_nets_four_1_29518 |url-status=live }} The goals went towards Neilson's total of 23 from 40 games for Ware in the Isthmian League First Division North,{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Roberts-swoops-for-son-of-Sheri.htm |title=Roberts swoops for son of Sheri |date=28 February 2008 |access-date=2010-08-18 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175612/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Roberts-swoops-for-son-of-Sheri.htm |url-status=live }} helping Ware towards the end-of-season play-offs. However, he left Ware before the end of the season to join Cambridge City in March 2008 for the rest of the club's Conference South campaign.{{cite news |url=http://www.herald24.co.uk/sport/ware_s_great_season_ends_in_disappointment_1_54591 |title=Ware's great season ends in disappointment |date=30 April 2008 |access-date=2010-08-30 |work=East Herts Herald|archive-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928224721/http://www.herald24.co.uk/sport/ware_s_great_season_ends_in_disappointment_1_54591 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Gash-to-strike-gold-says-boss-Roberts.htm |title=Gash to strike gold, says boss Roberts |date=28 March 2008 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175627/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Gash-to-strike-gold-says-boss-Roberts.htm |url-status=live }}

Neilson's debut at Cambridge City came three days later in a 3–1 defeat to Lewes, when he came off the bench in the second half.{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Booth-returns-to-haunt-City.htm |title=Booth returns to haunt City |date=31 March 2008 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175642/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Booth-returns-to-haunt-City.htm |url-status=live }} He played seven games, starting all but his debut performance, with six games coming in the league. He scored three goals in his seven matches.{{cite web |url=http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/afolder/App_and_Goalscorers07_08.shtml |title=Goals and games 07/08 |access-date=2009-08-29 |publisher=Cambridge City F.C. |archive-date=6 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106184511/http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/afolder/App_and_Goalscorers07_08.shtml |url-status=live }} He also scored in the Cambridge Invitational Cup final as Cambridge recorded a 3–0 victory against Histon reserves to lift the cup for a record 12th time.{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Football/Gashs-cracker-puts-seal-on-City-record.htm |title=Gash's cracker puts seal on City record |date=25 April 2008 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175706/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Football/Gashs-cracker-puts-seal-on-City-record.htm |url-status=live }} Despite an enforced relegation,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7423974.stm |title=Cambridge City fail in FA appeal |date=28 May 2008 |access-date=2009-08-29 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=14 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214182824/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7423974.stm |url-status=live }} Neilson stayed at Cambridge for the following season and signed a new contract in first April and then October 2008.{{cite news |url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?&newsmode=FULL&nid=49635 |title=Neilson commits to City |date=26 April 2008 |access-date=2009-08-29 |publisher=Non-league Daily |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923232901/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?&newsmode=FULL&nid=49635 |archive-date=23 September 2012 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Garys-got-great-news-over-future-of-Scott-.htm |title=Gary's got great news over future of Scott |date=3 October 2008 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175723/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Garys-got-great-news-over-future-of-Scott-.htm |url-status=live }} He played a total of 49 games in his first full season with the Lilywhites, 40 of which were in the league, scoring a total of 11 league goals and two cup goals.{{cite web |url=http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/afolder/App_and_Goalscorers08_09.shtml |title=Goals and games 08/09 |publisher=Cambridge City F.C. |access-date=2009-08-29 |archive-date=5 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005143658/http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/afolder/App_and_Goalscorers08_09.shtml |url-status=live }} He also helped Cambridge defend their Cambridge Invitational Cup crown with a 1–0 defeat of CRC.{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Frews-heroics-help-strengthen-City-grip-.htm |title=Frew's heroics help strengthen City grip |date=22 April 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175737/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Frews-heroics-help-strengthen-City-grip-.htm |url-status=live }}

Neilson signed a new one-year contract with Cambridge City in July 2009.{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/artman/publish/article_1459.shtml |title=Latest squad announcements |first=Nick |last=Austin |publisher=Cambridge City F.C. |date=11 July 2009 |access-date=2010-09-15 |archive-date=27 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727135713/http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/artman/publish/article_1459.shtml |url-status=live }} However, his form also attracted a number of league clubs and, at the start of the 2009–10 season he had trials with sides Norwich City,{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Canaries-keen-on-Neilson-.htm |title=Canaries keen on Neilson |date=30 June 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175750/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Canaries-keen-on-Neilson-.htm |url-status=live }} Derby County{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Neilson-is-still-in-the-reckoning-at-County.htm |title=Neilson is still in the reckoning at County |date=30 July 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175804/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Neilson-is-still-in-the-reckoning-at-County.htm |url-status=live }} and Bradford City{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4539528.Hiding_not_an_option_for_Rehman/ |title=City defender will not sweep mistake under carpet |date=12 April 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker |archive-date=13 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813172020/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4539528.Hiding_not_an_option_for_Rehman/ |url-status=live }} and was offered a trial with Hartlepool United.{{cite news |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/4527394.Jones_won___t_exit/ |title=Jones won't exit |date=4 August 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=The Northern Echo |first=Nick |last=Loughlin |archive-date=30 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330125626/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/4527394.Jones_won___t_exit/ |url-status=live }} Neilson scored twice in a reserve game for Bradford as part of his trial,{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4555093.Neilson_boosts_trial_at_the_double/ |title=Neilson boosts trial at the double |date=19 August 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |archive-date=27 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927213605/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4555093.Neilson_boosts_trial_at_the_double/ |url-status=live }} prompting a bid to buy the winger.{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Bradford-offer-for-Neilson-too-low.htm |title=Bradford offer for Neilson 'too low' |date=24 August 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175821/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Bradford-offer-for-Neilson-too-low.htm |url-status=live }} Bradford's first bid was turned down but they had an improved bid accepted later the same week. The fee remained undisclosed but included a 25 per cent sell-on fee entitling Cambridge City to a share of any fee Bradford received for selling Neilson on to another club{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Bantams-swoop-to-sign-ace-Neilson.htm |title=Bantams swoop to sign ace Neilson |date=26 August 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175835/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Bantams-swoop-to-sign-ace-Neilson.htm |url-status=live }} – a year later, another manager Martin Ling revealed the initial fee that Cambridge received to be £20,000.{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-United/Boss-Ling-Id-like-Scott-to-stay-for-good.htm |title=Boss Ling: I'd like Scott to stay for good |date=16 April 2010 |access-date=2010-08-17 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |first=Aaron |last=Mason |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175550/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-United/Boss-Ling-Id-like-Scott-to-stay-for-good.htm |url-status=live }} Neilson had played a further two league games for Cambridge before his departure.{{cite web |url=http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/afolder/App_and_Goalscorers09_10.shtml |publisher=Cambridge City F.C. |title=Goals and games 09/10 |access-date=2009-08-29 |archive-date=27 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727135509/http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/afolder/App_and_Goalscorers09_10.shtml |url-status=live }}

=Bradford City=

Neilson signed a three-year deal with League Two side Bradford City in August 2009,{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4569678.City_sign_winger_Neilson_on_three_year_deal/ |title=City sign winger Neilson on three-year deal |date=27 August 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Dave |last=Craven |archive-date=30 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830053431/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4569678.City_sign_winger_Neilson_on_three_year_deal/ |url-status=live }} and was given a place on the substitutes' bench for the club's next game with Torquay United,{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4572462.City_calm_nerves_with_run_of_mill_stuff/ |title=Hanson and Brandon hit goals to earn a welcome routine victory |date=30 August 2009 |access-date=2009-09-01 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker |archive-date=27 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927213757/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4572462.City_calm_nerves_with_run_of_mill_stuff/ |url-status=live }} which Bradford won 2–0 with Neilson coming on for Joe Colbeck.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8220689.stm |title=Bradford 2–0 Torquay |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=2009-08-29 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001249/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8220689.stm |url-status=live }} Colbeck was sold three days later and so Neilson made his full debut in a Football League Trophy game with Rochdale. Neilson capped his debut with the winning goal in a 2–1 victory to send City through to the second round for the first time in four years.{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4575446.Neilson_wings_in_for_City/ |title=Colbeck replacement an instant hit |first=Simon |last=Parker |date=1 September 2009 |access-date=2009-09-01 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |archive-date=27 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927213904/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4575446.Neilson_wings_in_for_City/ |url-status=live }} At the end of his full first full month with the club, Neilson scored his first league goal in professional football during a 3–0 win against Chesterfield, which helped to extend Bradford's unbeaten run to seven games.{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4651351.Flynn_inspires_seven_up_City/ |title=Midfielder defies pain to help extend unbeaten run |date=28 September 2009 |access-date=2009-09-28 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker |archive-date=27 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927214243/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4651351.Flynn_inspires_seven_up_City/ |url-status=live }} The club's form did not last and following a run of poor results, manager Stuart McCall left in February 2010 to be replaced by Peter Taylor.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8516521.stm |title=Peter Taylor is named as Bradford City's new manager |date=17 February 2010 |access-date=2010-03-04 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=26 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226204309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8516521.stm |url-status=live }} Neilson played in Taylor's first game in charge as City lost 2–0 to Accrington Stanley.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8495837.stm |title=Accrington Stanley 2–0 Bradford |date=4 March 2010 |access-date=2010-03-04 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001335/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8495837.stm |url-status=live }}

However, Taylor criticised Neilson for his lack of fitness,{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8307192.Spirit_is_willing_as_Neilson_looks_to_impress_at_Bradford_City/ |title=Spirit is willing as Neilson looks to impress at Bradford City |date=2 August 2010 |access-date=2010-08-08 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker |archive-date=13 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813021900/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8307192.Spirit_is_willing_as_Neilson_looks_to_impress_at_Bradford_City/ |url-status=live }} and as a result the winger did not feature in any of the following three games and was instead loaned out to Cambridge United initially on a month-long loan to act as cover for Antonio Murray and Robbie Willmott, who were suspended and injured respectively.{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/5041261.Neilson_goes_out_on_loan/ |title=Neilson goes out on loan |date=4 March 2010 |access-date=2010-03-04 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker |archive-date=15 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315222244/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/5041261.Neilson_goes_out_on_loan/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cambridge_utd/8549370.stm |title=Cambridge United loan Bradford winger Scott Nielsen (sic) |date=4 March 2010 |access-date=2010-03-04 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001250/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/cambridge_utd/8549370.stm |url-status=live }} He capped his debut for Cambridge United on 6 March 2010 against Barrow by scoring the only goal of the game to give his new side a 1–0 victory.{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-United/GreatScottclinchescrucialwin.htm |title=Great Scott clinches crucial win |date=6 March 2010 |access-date=2010-08-18 |newspaper=Cambridge Evening News |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175559/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-United/GreatScottclinchescrucialwin.htm |url-status=live }} After scoring another two goals, Cambridge extended Neilson's loan with manager Martin Ling saying he would "assess the situation in the summer".{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10423~2007008,00.html |title=Scott Neilson loan extended |date=27 March 2010 |access-date=2010-03-27 |publisher=Cambridge United F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401075428/http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10423~2007008%2C00.html |archive-date=1 April 2010 }} He played in all 14 of Cambridge's games during his loan spell and scored three goals helping them finish in the top-half of the table before he returned to Bradford at the end of the Conference Premier season.{{cite news |url=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2034328,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630224727/http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2034328,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2012 |title=Neilson returns to Bradford |date=24 April 2010 |access-date=2010-04-25 |publisher=Bradford City A.F.C. }}

Neilson returned to the first-team squad at City ahead of their 2010–11 season and received praise from his manager, who said: "He's obviously got very good talent, he can get goals and I think he'll do well. It's down to him really." Neilson played in City's first game of the League Two campaign – only his second under Taylor – but City lost 3–1 to Shrewsbury Town with Neilson replaced by debutant Louis Moult in the second-half.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8842794.stm |title=Shrewsbury 3–1 Bradford |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=2010-08-08 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8842794.stm |url-status=live }} Neilson was substituted at half-time in the club's next game and then dropped for the next league match,{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8323947.Hanson_the_extra_time_goal_hero_for_Bradford_City/ |title=Revenge win over Forest gives Bradford City lift after opening loss |date=11 August 2010 |access-date=2010-08-16 |first=Connor |last=Murphy |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |archive-date=30 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930120409/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8323947.Hanson_the_extra_time_goal_hero_for_Bradford_City/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8897478.stm |title=Bradford 1–0 Stevenage |date=14 August 2010 |access-date=2010-08-16 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=14 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814193946/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8897478.stm |url-status=live }} before he was sold to Conference side Crawley Town for officially an undisclosed five-figure sum,{{cite news |url=http://crawleytownfc.com/newsdetails.php?ID=1611 |title=Crawley Town Football Club are pleased to announce the signing of Scott Neilson (23) from NPower League 2 Bradford City |date=16 August 2010 |access-date=2010-08-16 |publisher=Crawley Town F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708201822/http://crawleytownfc.com/newsdetails.php?ID=1611 |archive-date=8 July 2011 }} although it was reported to be anywhere from £15,000{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Chaffey-in-doubt-for-the-tale-of-two-Cities.htm |title=Chaffey in doubt for the tale of two Cities |date=19 August 2010 |access-date=2010-09-16 |newspaper=Cambridge News |first=Marc |last=Beyeler |archive-date=10 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910172826/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-City/Chaffey-in-doubt-for-the-tale-of-two-Cities.htm |url-status=live }} to £50,000.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/sport/GREAT-SCOTT/article-2536297-detail/article.html |title=Great Scott |date=18 August 2010 |access-date=2010-08-18 |publisher=Crawley News}} Neilson had played 30 games for Bradford in all competitions.

=Crawley Town=

Neilson said he was "delighted to have joined such an ambitious club" and his new manager Steve Evans revealed the club had been interested in him for some time and Crawley had made several previous bids for the winger, which were all rejected. Neilson made his debut the following day against Cambridge United, the club where he had spent the latter part of the previous season on loan. The game finished 2–2, but Neilson's mistake allowed Cambridge to begin their fightback from an early two-goal deficit.{{cite news |url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/8337208.Tubbs_double_but_Reds_are_held/ |title=Tubbs double but Reds are held |date=17 August 2010 |access-date=2010-08-18 |first=Bruce |last=Talbot |work=The Argus|location=Brighton|archive-date=7 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007095453/http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/8337208.Tubbs_double_but_Reds_are_held/ |url-status=live }} Crawley soon went on a good run of form to go top of the table – Neilson's first goal for the club came in a 2–0 win at home to Kidderminster Harriers at the start of October to extend that lead over AFC Wimbledon to three points.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9037449.stm |title=Crawley Town 2–0 Kidderminster Harriers |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=2010-10-03 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/9037449.stm |url-status=live }} He followed it up by scoring four goals in the next seven games,{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?season_id=140&player_id=52161 |title=Games played by Scott Neilson in 2010/2011 |access-date=2010-11-20 |publisher=Soccerbase}} including one in the FA Cup on his return to West Yorkshire in a 5–0 win against Guiseley.{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/football/footballguiseey/8622494.End_of_road_for_Guiseley/ |title=Former Bantam Neilson among scorers as Crawley cruise through FA Cup tie |date=8 November 2010 |access-date=2010-11-13 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Ian |last=Whiting |archive-date=2 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002082210/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/football/footballguiseey/8622494.End_of_road_for_Guiseley/ |url-status=live }} In February, Neilson broke a toe in his left foot.{{cite news |url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/bluesquare/8829046.Evans__You_re_playing_for_Cup_places/ |title=Evans: You're playing for Cup places |date=3 February 2011 |access-date=2011-02-08 |newspaper=The Argus|location=Brighton|first=Bruce |last=Talbot}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}} Neilson missed three months of the season, including an FA Cup game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but returned for the final five games of Crawley's promotion campaign. He finished with 27 league appearances and scored five goals.{{Soccerbase season|52161|2010|name=Scott Neilson|access-date=2011-06-04}}

On 19 September 2012 he joined Grimsby Town on a three-month loan deal.{{cite news| title = Crawley midfielder arrives| url = http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/crawley-midfielder-arrives-377574.aspx| publisher = Grimsby Town F.C.| date = 19 September 2012| access-date = 2013-04-26| archive-date = 23 September 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120923055126/http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/crawley-midfielder-arrives-377574.aspx| url-status = usurped}} Towards the end of his stay at Blundell Park, Grimsby manager Paul Hurst admitted his desire to sign Neilson on a permanent deal following an impressive loan spell.{{cite news| title = Door still open on Scott Neilson deal – but Grimsby Town face fight to sign winger| url = http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Door-open-Scott-Neilson-deal-Grimsby-Town-face/story-17647901-detail/story.html| work = Grimsby Telegraph| publisher = Local World| date = 21 December 2012| access-date = 2013-04-26| archive-date = 30 December 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121230210039/http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Door-open-Scott-Neilson-deal-Grimsby-Town-face/story-17647901-detail/story.html| url-status = live}} Following his final game for the club, a 1–0 victory over promotion rivals Wrexham which put Grimsby on top of the table, Hurst admitted that it was unlikely that Neilson would be returning to Grimsby despite making him a good offer. Neilson departed Grimsby on 21 December 2012 having played ten league games, scoring a single goal.{{cite news| title = Grimsby Town's Scott Neilson unlikely to play for club again| url = http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Grimsby-Town-s-Scott-Neilson-unlikely-play-club/story-17649773-detail/story.html#axzz2RZ4kxYx4| work = Grimsby Telegraph| publisher = Local World| date = 21 December 2012| access-date = 2013-04-26| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130101071956/http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Grimsby-Town-s-Scott-Neilson-unlikely-play-club/story-17649773-detail/story.html#axzz2RZ4kxYx4| archive-date = 1 January 2013| url-status = dead}}

=Luton Town=

Neilson signed for Luton Town on a contract until the end of the season following the end of his loan at Grimsby on 24 December 2012, though he officially joined the club on 1 January 2013 when the transfer window opened. The move also confirmed that Neilson would transfer to a more local side after rejecting a move to Grimsby having not desired relocating himself to the north of England.{{cite news| title = Luton Town sign winger Scott Neilson from Crawley Town| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20837321| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 24 December 2012| access-date = 2013-04-26| archive-date = 31 December 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121231141914/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20837321| url-status = live}} Neilson's contract was not extended and he was released by Luton at the end of the 2012–13 season after playing in 8 games and scoring once.{{cite news| title = Luton Town: John Still confirms summer squad clear-out| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21970033| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 28 March 2013| access-date = 2013-04-26| archive-date = 1 April 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130401092038/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21970033| url-status = live}}

=Grimsby Town=

Following his release from Luton, Neilson spoke about his desire to return to Grimsby Town.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Scott-Neilson-keen-return-Grimsby-Town/story-18856895-detail/story.html |title=Scott Neilson keen on a return to Grimsby Town | This is Grimsby |access-date=1 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503101444/http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Scott-Neilson-keen-return-Grimsby-Town/story-18856895-detail/story.html#axzz2RwWArsD6 |archive-date=3 May 2013 |url-status=dead }} On 13 May 2013, Neilson signed a one-year deal with The Mariners.{{Cite web|url=http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/hes-back-819063.aspx|title=He's Back! – Scott Neilson|access-date=13 May 2013|archive-date=13 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613191644/http://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/article/hes-back-819063.aspx|url-status=usurped}}

On 9 February 2015, Neilson had his contract terminated with Grimsby Town by mutual consent.{{cite news | url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/BREAKING-Scott-Neilson-leaves-Grimsby-Town-mutual/story-25998105-detail/story.html | newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph | title=Scott Neilson leaves Grimsby Town by mutual consent | date=9 February 2015 | access-date=9 February 2015 | archive-date=9 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209222204/http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/BREAKING-Scott-Neilson-leaves-Grimsby-Town-mutual/story-25998105-detail/story.html | url-status=live }}

=Non League=

On 14 February 2015, Neilson signed for Conference South side Whitehawk on a free transfer.{{Cite web |url=http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Scott-Neilson-signs-Whitehawk-following-Grimsby/story-26026484-detail/story.html |title=Scott Neilson signs for Whitehawk following Grimsby Town exit | Grimsby Telegraph |access-date=20 March 2015 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110816/http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Scott-Neilson-signs-Whitehawk-following-Grimsby/story-26026484-detail/story.html |url-status=live }} Neilson went on to play for Hemel Hempstead Town and Royston Town during the 2016–17 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk/players/scott-neilson|title=Scott Neilson Profile | Aylesbury United FC|access-date=26 July 2018|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001251/http://www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk/players/scott-neilson|url-status=live}}

Playing style

Neilson is a midfielder, who likes to play on the right wing,{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8344690.Grim_up_north_for_Bradford_City_reject_Neilson/ |title=Grim up north for Bradford City reject Neilson |date=21 August 2010 |access-date=2010-09-16 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Simon |last=Parker |archive-date=30 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930233939/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8344690.Grim_up_north_for_Bradford_City_reject_Neilson/ |url-status=live }} but has also been used in a more central role. Despite playing in midfield, Neilson has been known for scoring goals.{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4571710.Bullock_thumbs_up_for_Cambridge_graduate_Neilson/ |title=Bullock thumbs up for Cambridge graduate Neilson |date=29 August 2009 |access-date=2010-09-16 |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |first=Dave |last=Craven |archive-date=1 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901204441/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4571710.Bullock_thumbs_up_for_Cambridge_graduate_Neilson/ |url-status=live }} One of his former teammates Lee Bullock said he was "a winger who looks like he's got some decent skills" while Paul Carden, his assistant manager at Cambridge United, said: "You can see he's an intelligent player and very quick ... he catches the eye because he can go past people and is good with the ball at his feet."{{cite news |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-United/UsputfaithinNeilsontouch.htm |title=U's put faith in Neilson touch! |date=25 March 2010 |access-date=2010-09-16 |newspaper=Cambridge News |archive-date=10 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910172847/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cambridge-United/UsputfaithinNeilsontouch.htm |url-status=live }} Neilson, however, was also told to improve his crossing ability and criticised for his lack of fitness by former manager Peter Taylor.

Personal life

He comes from a footballing family being the grandson of Cliff Jones{{cite news |title=Winger Neilson signs Bantams deal |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8225907.stm |access-date=27 January 2021 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 August 2009 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001249/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8225907.stm |url-status=live }} and great-grandson of Ivor Jones, both former Welsh internationals.

In October 2021, Neilson was arrested in the United Kingdom for fraud and money-laundering offences. It is alleged that Neilson defrauded investors out of $6million. Neilson is currently awaiting extradition to the United States where he is to face prosecution.{{cite web | url=https://blog.ifwglobal.com/blog/foreign-nationals-charged-in-6-million-investment-and-impersonation-scheme | title=Foreign nationals charged in $6 million investment and impersonation scheme | date=2 November 2021 }}{{cite web | url=https://international-adviser.com/10-international-fraudsters-charged-in-the-us/ | title=10 international fraudsters charged in the US | date=28 October 2021 }}{{update inline|date=May 2024}}

Career statistics

{{Updated|10 February 2015}}{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=52161 |title=Scott Neilson |access-date=2011-06-04 |publisher=Soccerbase}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|FA Cup !colspan="2"\|League Cup !colspan="2"\|Other !colspan="2"\|Total
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="3"\|Hertford Town \|2005–06 \|Isthmian Second Division \|11	0	0	0	–	–	4{{ref label\|Other 2005–06\|A

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

rowspan="2"|Club

!rowspan="2"|Season

!colspan="3"|League

!colspan="2"|FA Cup

!colspan="2"|League Cup

!colspan="2"|Other

!colspan="2"|Total

Division

Apps

Goals

Apps

Goals

Apps

Goals

Apps

Goals

Apps

Goals

rowspan="3"|Hertford Town

|2005–06

|Isthmian Second Division

|11

–

4{{ref label|Other 2005–06|A

}||1||15||1

|2006–07

|Spartan South Midlands Premier Division

|15||4||1||0||–||–||8{{ref label|Other 2006–07|B|}}||5||24||9

!colspan="2"|Total

!26!!4!!1!!0!!–!!–!!12!!6!!39!!10

|rowspan="3"|Ware

|2006–07

|rowspan="2"|Isthmian First Division North

|20||9||–||–||–||–||2||2||22||11

|2007–08

|31||18||4||2||–||–||5||3||40||23

!colspan="2"|Total

!51!!27!!4!!2!!–!!–!!7!!5!!62!!34

|rowspan="4"|Cambridge City

|2007–08

|Conference South

|6||2||0||0||–||–||1{{ref label|Other 2007–08|C|}}||1||7||3

|2008–09

|rowspan="2"|Southern Premier Division

|40||11||3||1||–||–||6{{ref label|Other 2008–09|D|}}||1||49||13

|2009–10

|2||0||0||0||–||–||0||0||2||0

!colspan="2"|Total

!48!!13!!3!!1!!–!!–!!7!!2!!58!!16

|rowspan="3"|Bradford City

|2009–10

|rowspan="2"|League Two

|23||1||1||0||0||0||4{{ref label|Other 2009–10|E|}}||1||28||2

|2010–11

|1||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||2||0

!colspan="2"|Total

!24!!1!!1!!0!!1!!0!!4!!1!!30!!2

|Cambridge United (loan)

|2009–10

|Conference Premier

|14||3||0||0||–||–||0||0||14||3

|rowspan="4"|Crawley Town

|2010–11

|Conference Premier

|27||5||4||1||–||–||0||0||31||6

|2011–12

|rowspan="2"|League Two

|30||3||3||0||1||0||1||0||35||3

|2012–13

|0||0||0||0||0||0||1||1||1||1

!colspan="2"|Total

!57!!8!!7!!1!!1!!0!!2!!1!!67!!10

|Grimsby Town (loan)

|2012–13

|Conference Premier

|10||1||0||0||–||–||0||0||10||1

|Luton Town

|2012–13

|Conference Premier

|8||1||0||0||–||–||0||0||8||1

|rowspan="3"|Grimsby Town

|2013–14

|rowspan="2"|Conference Premier

|34||6||4||0||–||–||2{{efn|Appearances in Conference play-offs}}||0||40||6

|2014–15

|20||5||1||0||–||–||0||0||21||5

!colspan="2"|Total

!54!!11!!5!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0!!61!!11

!colspan="3"|Career total

!292!!69!!21!!4!!2!!0!!34!!15!!349!!88

:A. {{note|Other 2005–06}} In the 2005–06 season, Neilson played four games and scored one goal in the Isthmian League Associate Members Cup for Hertford Town.

:B. {{note|Other 2006–07}} In the 2006–07 season, Neilson played one game in each of Spartans South Midland Challenge Trophy, Spartans South Midland Premier Division Cup, FA Vase and Hertfordshire Charity Cup, played two games and scored one goal in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup, played one game and scored one goal in the South Midland League Cup and played one game and scored three goals in the East Anglian Cup all for Hertford Town.

:C. {{note|Other 2007–08}} In the 2007–08 season, Neilson played one game and scored one goal in the Cambridge Invitational Cup for Cambridge City.

:D. {{note|Other 2008–09}} In the 2008–09 season, Neilson played four games in the FA Trophy and played two games and scored one goal in the Cambridge Invitational Cup for Cambridge City.

:E. {{note|Other 2009–10}} In the 2009–10 season, Neilson played four games and scored one goal in the Football League Trophy for Bradford City.