Blackburn set to extend Nelsen's contract

[SteveWWJ]

This is just awesome, Blackburn is already looking to give Ryan an extended contract.

From ESPN's Soccernet:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=329953&cc=5901

BRAVO!

[mikedett]

Its very gratifying to watch Ryan excel. He is doing a great job of representing MLS and DC United.

At this rate, he will be getting enough money to come back and Buy DCU from Uncle Philly :D

[superdave]

From the article

Blackburn are ready to reward central defender Ryan Nelsen for his astonishing impact in the Premiership by giving him a new contract in the summer - less than six months after he joined on a free transfer.

"Astonishing impact." I like that.

Hughes thanks his lucky stars that Nelsen dropped into his lap after being made available by MLS side DC United.

"The Blackburn manager said: 'I just cannot understand why he was not picked up before. He has been fantastic, he came on a free transfer and it has been a great bit of business.

'He's a huge talent, a strong man both on and off the field, and he has presence.'

There is some red tape for Blackburn to negotiate - they will have to obtain a work permit for Nelsen who is only currently playing on a holiday visa scheme.

I remember when he signed being somewhat surprised they only signed him through next season...the holiday visa probably explains that.

This was as predictable as Wenger whining about London derbies and Mourinho being an arrogant prick. B'burn has to act fast in order to keep Ryan from thinking about playing out his contract. If they let this go till, say, even next September, by then his agent will already have started feeling out the Newcastles and Aston Villas to see if they're interested, and B'burn can't compete with those clubs, if they really want a guy.

[Lowecifer]

This was as predictable as Wenger whining about London derbies and Mourinho being an arrogant prick.

That's a winning arrogant prick.

[SteveWWJ]

Another good thing about them signing the new contract after 6 months, is that if the Home Office doesn't approve it.. he still have the special Commonwealth 18month work Visa for another year.

And since I think he would have to wait a year to reapply for the permanent work Visa, then he'd be able to try again at the end of his current Visa. So them doing it now might ensure he at least gets 2 shots at applying before his 18months Visa is up.

[rugman]

Question is, should he sign at the end of the season? Of course, it depends on the dollars but if I were him, I would also want to see the club sign some serious strikers so they can actually compete for several cups and a shot at UEFA and Champions competitions.