30th July 1928

Calcutta, India

Winger

Nelson Stiffle had played for Chester, Chesterfield and Bournemouth when he signed for Exeter City in 1958. Scoring 17 times in 94 games over the next two-and-a-bit years the winger became a highly popular and significant member of the City sides of the late 1950s. He later played for Coventry City before emigrating to Australia. Playing at the same time as Gordon Dale on the other wing, the two were a highly-regarded pair of wide players. 

Nelson began his career with Ashton United before getting his first professional chance with Chester in December 1951 where he played seven league matches scoring twice. He then moved back into non-league football with Altrincham and, having been leading scorer in both of his seasons, was given another Football League opportunity with Chesterfield in March 1954 for whom he scored 9 goals in 38 league starts.

Having moved to Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic in May 1955, where he added a further 35 league outings and seven goals, Nelson arrived at Exeter City in March 1958 for a fee of £750 and promptly made his debut in 3-0 defeat at Walsall.

Playing nine times during the remainder of 1957/58, Nelson subsequently made 44 league starts during the following campaign and contributed eight league goals as City just missed out on promotion. Regarded by some fans as one of the fastest wingers to have played for the club, Nelson remained at St James' Park throughout 1959/60 as he added nine goals and a further 41 league appearances to his tally.

His two FA Cup goals for City came in the all-Devon tie against Barnstaple Town in November 1959 and in the following round against Brentford three weeks later.

Leaving the club in July 1960, Nelson had a season with Coventry City (two goals in 13 league starts) before emigrating to Australia where he played for Bankstown in New South Wales ahead of becoming a coach.

Later moving to Queensland, Nelson died on 8th April 2005 after a long battle with heart disease.

League 94, FA Cup 4 (98)

League 17, FA Cup 2 (19)