Michael Nelson has been jokingly labelled a “gold digger” by his former Scottish team-mates.

The 32-year-old centre half made his Kilmarnock debut last season in a League Cup semi-final. And if tomorrow’s trip to Port Vale becomes an expected casualty of the weather, he could do the same for City at Villa Park.

Nelson went on to lift the silverware in Scotland and his pals north of the border have been quick to rib him about joining another club on the trophy trail.

He said: “I’ve been getting a bit of stick from the boys at Kilmarnock who are saying I’m just chasing the medals!

“I made my debut up there at Hampden and now I’m at another club who are having a great time.

“Bradford are on the up in the league as well and possibly would be a touch higher if it hadn’t been for the cup run.

“But there’s a game in hand over Exeter, who are sat in third. Win that and you’re only a point behind.”

Killy saw off local rivals Ayr in Nelson’s first start to set up a final with hot favourites Celtic. Like City this season, they were completely written off.

Nelson added: “Celtic were 26 games unbeaten at the time and nobody gave us a chance. They probably thought they’d just walk out and win.

“Celtic were as strong as some of the teams they’ve put out in Champions’ League games this season so it was a great achievement.

“Winning the cup was totally unexpected but we had some great victories. I thoroughly enjoyed my year in Scotland and had nothing but success up there.”

But Phil Parkinson was in the market for a centre half – Walsall skipper Andy Butler was another name he inquired about – and his first choice Nelson needed little persuasion to return south.

He said: “It wasn’t something I was looking for in the window. It came out the blue.

“But once the chance came up, I jumped at it.

“I’ve come across the gaffer’s teams before and have spoken to him since he’s been at Bradford.

“I know what I’m coming in to and know one or two of the boys already here. Everyone seems to be in high spirits.”