Professional footballer Stuart James Nelson,39, was born in Stroud Maternity Hospital and grew up in Cashes Green. He attended St Matthews CofE Primary School and went to secondary school at Archway.
Goalkeeper Stuart met his wife Nicola in 2008 in Chelmsford, Essex and married in 2011 and have children Roman,5, Paige,3, and Roxie, 1.
Stuart has been a footballer since leaving Archway and started at Cirencester Academy before moving to Millwall. He eventually turned professional in 2004 when Brentford bought him from Hucknall Town. Stuart has since gone on to play more than 500 professional matches in 18 seasons as a pro.
When were you at your happiest?
I’ve had many happy moments throughout my life, my children being born, getting married and in football terms – too many to mention. I am happiest when I’m with my wife and children.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Everything to do with the Coronavirus pandemic.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
It has to be coffee. I literally can’t walk past a Costa or Starbucks without getting one.
What is your favourite smell?
Freshly cooked pastries in a bakery.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Jason Statham.
What do you like most about Stroud?
It’s where I was born and raised & my oldest friends still live there.
What would you improve about Stroud?
I would bring back The Maltings.
What is your ideal weekend?
Playing a football match, winning and keeping a clean sheet on a Saturday and spending the day with my family on Sunday which includes sitting down for a roast dinner.
What is on your bucket list?
Go to the Super Bowl.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
That life is too short and to live every day as if it’s your last.
What public figures do you most admire?
Lebron James, Tom Brady.
Who is the most famous person in your phone?
Paul Ince or Teddy Sheringham.
What are your best and worst qualities?
My best qualities would be my positive mindset and work ethic. If you ask my wife for my worst qualities she will say I make so much noise!
What’s been your greatest sporting moment?
Winning the League 2 title with Gillingham.
What book, song and drink would you take with you if stranded on an uninhabited island?
A good autobiography from a sporting legend.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye.
Coffee.
