Early present for Town as winger pens deal
The Town can confirm that winger Scott Neilson has agreed and signed a permanent deal until the end of the season following the release of his contract from Crawley.
The 25-year-old is training with the Hatters but will not be able to play for the club until New Year’s Day.
Enfield-born Neilson arrives at Kenilworth Road after a successful loan spell with Blue Square Bet Premier leaders Grimsby Town and was instrumental in the Mariners’ 4-1 win over the Town in September.
Neilson first shot to prominence in non-league circles with Hertford, Ware and Cambridge City which caught the attention of League 2 Bradford City with his eye for goal allied with his ability on the ball in wide areas.
The move to Valley Parade never really worked out, but his next port of call saw him win back-to-back promotions with Crawley Town, who he signed for in the summer of 2010.
As part of Steve Evans’ ‘Project Promotion’, the winger scored six goals in 31 league and cup ties for the Red Devils as they ran away with the Blue Square Bet Premier in 2010/11.
The step up to League 2 in the following season was no problem either as Neilson and Crawley were again successful. He made 35 appearances in all competitions and scored three times – including the all important promotion-clinching goal in the Sussex club’s 1-0 win at Accrington Stanley on the final day of the season.
Unable to break into the Crawley side now playing in League One, Neilson was loaned to Grimsby where he won the hearts of the Mariners faithful for his performances on the wing.
His loan spell at Blundell Park ended with a 1-0 win over Wrexham last Friday and having returned to Crawley his contract was cancelled with the Football Association and Football League which paved the way for his move to Kenilworth Road.
Reaction to follow.