
Eastern Suburbs Reveal Nelsen As New Manager

ASB Premiership side Eastern Suburbs have announced former New Zealand international Ryan Nelsen as their next manager on a four year deal.
The appointment is seen as a major coup for not only the club but the competition, with Nelsen widely viewed as one of the All-Whites' greatest ever players. The 39 year old's last (and first) managerial role was at MLS side Toronto FC in 2014 but that experience alone makes him one of the most accomplished managers in the country.
Eastern Suburbs' chairman Chris Ruffell made the announcement at Bill McKinlay Park ahead of the club's pre-season training, with Nelsen set to arrive in the country from the United States in the coming days.
"Ryan is a terrific signing for our club as we look to improve over the next few seasons. He brings invaluable experience at the highest levels of the game and will be a great role model to younger players at the club.
The board have given Ryan our full financial backing in order to make whatever changes necessary to the squad. We believe he can lead the Lilywhites to the Premiership finals this season."
Eastern Suburbs will be looking to improve on their fifth placed finish in 2016/17 and the Lilywhites have a number of talented players for Nelsen to use, including captain Tim Payne and Nigerian import Emmanuel Ekpo.
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