CITY can confirm that Hartlepool United centre-back Michael Nelson will join the Canaries on July 1, after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal at Carrow Road.

The 29-year-old's contract with Hartlepool expires at the end of this month after six years at Victoria Park, where he made 306 appearances in all competitions, scoring 16 goals. He was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year for 2006-07.

Speaking about his third summer signing, City boss Bryan Gunn told First News: "We know all about Michael's qualities through Ian Butterworth's connections with Hartlepool and I went to see him on a couple of occasions last season.

"He will provide some extra solidity at the back as he's a committed player who wins tackles and headers.

"The fact that he's chosen to come to Norwich despite interest from a few other clubs shows people see us as real contenders in League One. Michael is eager to play for us and that's something we're looking for in all the players we sign this summer."

Nelson has captained both Hartlepool and his former club Bury, where he made 83 appearances and scored eight goals after being signed by Andy Preece for the Lancashire club in April 2001 from non-league Bishop Auckland.

The Gateshead-born defender said he was delighted to be joining the Canaries and told canaries.co.uk: "The Club doesn't need much selling to be honest, you come and have a look at the stadium and the training facilities, it's got to be up there with some of the best in the Championship, never mind League One.

"The Club as a whole, it's a massive club and everyone I speak to says it's a nice area to live as well and obviously knowing Ian Butterworth down here was a big help as well. Having someone I know on the coaching staff to come down to work with will help me along as well."

The fixture list released this week has thrown up an early reunion with his former team-mates at Hartlepool and Nelson said he was looking forward to potentially locking horns with his previous club: "Definitely, I was there six years and had some quite successful seasons, but I enjoyed my time up there and made some good friends with the players."

Looking to start his Canaries career the big defender said: "I'm sure the Club and the fans are focussing on trying to get promoted back to the Championship and that will get it's way down to the players to be focussed on trying to finish as high as we can." 

Nelson will be allocated squad number 5.