The lowdown on former Nottingham Forest striker Nathan Tyson who has joined Chesterfield FC

It’s fair to say Chesterfield’s new loan signing Nathan Tyson brings with him a wealth of experience, having clocked up over 600 appearances in a career spanning nearly 20 years.
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In that time, the 37-year-old Notts County striker has turned out for 13 clubs in England, Scotland and Wales – finding the back of the net 126 times.

Tyson becomes the third player the Spireites have signed from Notts having already brought in defender Matt Tootle and goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons.

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Here we take a closer look at Tyson and what he will bring to Chesterfield as they bid to move away from the National League relegation trapdoor.

Who is Nathan Tyson?

The left-footed striker was born in Reading and began his career with his hometown club, where he made his first team debut in April 2000. During his time with the Royals he had loan spells at Maidenhead United, Swansea City, Cheltenham Town and Wycombe Wanderers. He was to later join Wycombe on a permanent deal.

Tyson also lists Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool and Kilmarnock among his former clubs.

What are his strengths?

Chesterfield's new loan signing Nathan Tyson in action for his parent club Notts County. Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty ImagesChesterfield's new loan signing Nathan Tyson in action for his parent club Notts County. Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Chesterfield's new loan signing Nathan Tyson in action for his parent club Notts County. Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

In his younger days Tyson was known for his blistering pace, perhaps more than his goalscoring exploits – although he did average a goal every two games for Wycombe between 2004 and 2006, which helped to clinch a £675,000 move to Forest.

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As age has caught up with him, unsurprisingly he’s lost a yard or two of pace but is still quick enough to trouble defences at National League level.

When he joined Notts at the beginning of the season, former Forest striker Garry Birtles said he believed Tyson still had the ability to find the back of the net.

“You don’t lose the ability to score goals in the penalty box, you might lose your pace but your movement, your intelligence comes into it,” he told Nottinghamshire Live.

“Pace isn’t everything, intelligence and movement is paramount.”

What are his standout career moments?

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Tyson is best remembered for his spell at Forest, where he spent five years and scored 42 goals in over 200 appearances for the Reds.

The City Ground faithful will remember Tyson for a stunning volley he scored in a shock 3-0 win at Manchester City in an FA Cup third round tie in January 2009 and for waving a Forest flag in front of Derby fans after the a 3-2 East Midlands derby victory for the Reds later that year.

His flag-waving antics sparked a mass brawl between both sets of players and resulted in Tyson being hit with a hefty fine and a two-game ban.

Ironically, just under two years later he left Forest for their bitter rivals along the A52.

Where has Tyson played since leaving Derby?

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After leaving Trentside he spent two injury-hit years at Pride Park, making 41 appearances and scoring just five goals.

During his time with the Rams he spent a spell on loan with Millwall and left Derby permanently when he signed for Blackpool where he played just 10 times in 2013-14.

Tyson then enjoyed the best spell of his career post-Forest at Doncaster Rovers, where he scored 21 times in 80 appearances.

He also had spells at Kilmarnock and his former club Wycombe before joining Notts last summer.

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This season injury and the form of others have limited him to just just four appearances for the Meadow Lane outfit.

How Chesterfield fans have reacted to his signing on Twitter

@DerbyshireDad60 He was brilliant when he played for Wycombe.

@sheldinigj I’ll be honest I saw the headline and hoped for either “Mike” or “Fury” just to liven things up a bit.

@GravettSteven He used to be a fantastic player. Never seen anyone run as fast as him for Wycombe. Unfortunately his career was plagued with injuries.