Alftstamp you may well be right and Nellie, may have little to no interest in getting involved with AWs. Though of course this is just another opinion piece by a journo, where they didn't even bother to track down the subject for actual facts.
I'm not saying Nelsen should be involved in any real serious coaching capacity, just when AWs are playing in his part of the world (States/Central America) he be invited in as a type of mentor. With a real focus on last few months before 2017 playoffs.
Not just for a 'Braveheart' speech pregame (which he'd be bloody good at), but to impart some of his wisdom/knowledge from being a pro playing at the very top level for close on ten years.
Looks AWs in 2017 playoffs will be a young team, faced with ammoth task of burgling a draw/low scoring loss in front of 60,000 plus very very unfriendly fans in a cauldron stadium - Lima/Santiago/Asuncion/Bogata etc.
Wouldn't a NZ football living legend (we don't have many) not be valuable in those circumstances - for just a quiet word in some kids ear.
Basically AWs will need every small advantage, plus a whale of luck to have a chance. Invite the man into the fold, he is born leader/motivator
I understand your thoughts on wanting him to be involved and I may end up being completely wrong in my belief that nelsen will never coach the AW's and that his coaching days are over. I hope I am completely wrong.
However a number of people on these forums will vouch for the fact that the journo here, Tony Smith, absolutely would have spoken to Nelsen, they have been on very very good terms for a very long time. I am pretty sure Tony Smith knew Nelsen when he was still at school. I would go as far to say that i believe they are friends. Its also not the only story that has been along these lines.
There is romantic wishful thinking and there is reality. Sadly.