Nathan Tyson

Reading

Tyson began his career at Reading as part of the youth academy, and made his first team debut on 29 April 2000, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute for Darius Henderson in a 1–1 draw with Bury at Gigg Lane. In August 2001, he joined Swansea City of the Third Division on an initial one-month loan. On 29 September, he was sent off for a foul on goalkeeper Stuart Brock two minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 win over Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough, though manager Colin Addison said that he intended to appeal the decision as Tyson was "only a fraction from taking the ball". Tyson scored his first goal in the Football League on 23 October, helping the "Swans" to a 2–0 win over Darlington at Vetch Field. He returned to the Third Division towards the end of the 2001–02 season, joining Cheltenham Town on loan in March 2002. Manager Steve Cotterill signed him to help the club push for the play-offs, and Tyson scored one goal from one start and seven substitute appearances in the league, but did not feature in the play-offs as the "Robins" went on to secure promotion with a 3–1 victory over Rushden & Diamonds in the play-off final. Reading were promoted into the First Division in 2002, and Tyson managed to earn himself a place in the "Royals" first team in the 2002–03 season, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2–1 victory over Derby County on 28 December. Reading qualified for the play-offs at the end of the campaign, though Tyson was sent…

On 6 February 2003, Tyson scored both goals for England under-20's in a 2–1 win over Germany.

Speaking in 2002, Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill stated that "he is very quick and his main asset is his pace". Writing for The Guardian in October 2005, David Pleat said that "as a speedy, left-footed goalscorer Tyson is a rarity in the modern game" who made "well-timed runs", particularly for through balls, and had determination to chase lost causes.

Tyson was a cousin to Mark Philo, who also played professional football for Wycombe Wanderers. In a 2005 interview, Tyson stated that he had a superstition that led to him dressing on his left side first, liked the music of Usher, and had an interest in cars.