Gallacher: Nelsen was a ‘modern day great’ (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Gallacher: Nelsen was a ‘modern day great’

8:28am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in News By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter

KEVIN Gallacher has hailed Blackburn Rovers’ departing club captain Ryan Nelsen as a modern day great after seeing him seal a shock move to Tottenham Hostpur.

The 34-year-old New Zealand skipper was released from his Rovers contract on Tuesday and was quickly snapped up by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp on a six-month contract.

Nelsen has only made one appearance this season due to a serious knee injury but former Rovers Gallacher insists he has played a “massive part” in the club’s success story over the past few years.

Gallacher said: “Ryan has been an incredible servant, an incredible stalwart and will go down in Rovers history as one of the greats of this era.

“It is only during the last year that injuries have limited his appearances. He has played a key role in everything the club has achieved though.

“Rovers got Ryan on a free transfer from the MLS and no one knew if he would be any good. He has been more than that, he has been brilliant.”

Nelsen joined Rovers from DC United in 2005 on a free transfer and, in 209 appearances for the club, established himself as club captain and a firm fans favourite.

Nelsen captained New Zealand in the 2010 World Cup, earning himself a New Zealand Order of Merit, and has been a key defender for Rovers over the past seven seasons.

Spurs have confirmed Nelsen will be unveiled at White Hart Lane today, and Gallacher admits it is a great move for him.

“I am surprised,” he said. “Ryan was just getting back to fitness at Blackburn but, when you expect him to start featuring for us, he is released.

“Now Ryan is at a club where he will be challenging for the Premier League title. It hasn’t worked out badly for him has it?”.

Meanwhile Keith Andrews fired a thinly veiled parting shot at the new regime at Blackburn Rovers after sealing a move to West Brom on Tuesday night.

Andrews said: “I’ll always be grateful to them for the chance but the club I signed for and the club that it is today, it’s chalk and cheese.

“I’m glad to have cut ties and to have moved on with my career.”