Carrick Rangers move was 'no-brainer' for former Glentoran and Ballymena United defender
Former Glentoran and Ballymena United defender Kym Nelson says making a Premiership return with Carrick Rangers was “a no-brainer”.
Nelson made over 70 league appearances for the Glens alongside winning an Irish Cup crown and representing The Oval outfit in Europe before joining Ards in 2018.
The defender then switched to Ballymena in January 2022 under David Jeffrey, featuring in 129 matches across all competitions.
Nelson joined Championship club H&W Welders earlier this year and played nine times in the league as Paul Kee’s side finished third last term.
The 31-year-old played 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Queen’s University earlier this month but is now set for a return to Northern Ireland’s top-flight after joining Carrick.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be here, when Stephen got in contact it was a no-brainer for me to come on board,” Nelson told the club’s website. “I am hoping to make a good impact and can’t wait to get started with the team.”
Nelson joins Jordan Forsythe, Daire O’Connor, Jack Hastings and Dylan Agnew as a summer arrival at Taylors Avenue and brings further experience to Stephen Baxter’s squad.
He could be in line to make his debut on Saturday when Carrick visit Bangor in the Premiership.
“I am delighted to announce the arrival of Kym Nelson to Carrick Rangers following his transfer from H&W Welders,” said Baxter. “I would like to thank Paul Kee and everyone at the Welders for making this deal possible.
Kym is a very talented and experienced player who has had successful spells with Glentoran, Ards and Ballymena and he brings the much needed left-sided balance to the squad going forward.
“I’m sure you will all join me in welcoming Kym to Carrick Rangers and we all look forward to seeing Kym in the Amber and Black very soon.”
Confirming Nelson’s exit, the Welders posted: “At 30, the move gives Kym the opportunity to continue testing himself at Premiership level and we wish him every success in this next chapter.
“We would like to thank Kym for the professionalism, commitment and effort he has shown throughout his time with the Welders.”