Nelson sails into Northern Ireland job
May 22 - The Irish Football Association (IFA) have confirmed Patrick Nelson (pictured) will be their new chief executive, subject to a contract being signed.
Nelson is currently employed in a similar position at Coca-Cola League Two club Macclesfield.
FA president Raymond Kennedy said: "I believe we have chosen the right person to take on the role.
"I am delighted that Patrick has accepted the job and I look forward to him taking up his position in the summer."
His new role will centre on the development of football at grass roots level in Northern Ireland.
The 48-year-old, who has county Down connections, has been in the Macclesfield role for three years.
Prior to that, he had a year as Notts County chief executive while he also has a long background in business.
Nelson has worked for American Express and MasterCard and helped set up Capital One Bank in Europe in the mid-1990s.
He has been Macclesfield chief executive since 2006 and is also joint managing director of his own motor sports adventure holiday company.
Nelson said: "Being the chief executive of a Football League club is a privilege.
"It's not an easy job as it requires you to take decisions that are often not universally popular but I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Moss Rose.
"I wish everyone at the club the best for the future and will be working with the chairman and manager over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition."
Nelson's business career has also seen him holding directors positions with Visa UK, Sport England East Midlands and Nottingham Development Enterprise.
He is also currently is a director of the Football League Youth and Community Trust.
Nelson will replace Howard Wells, who was sacked last October and is now claiming unfair dismissal and race discrimination after he lost his £100,000 a year post.
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