Curtis Nelson

Curtis Nelson found his footing as a footballer within the Stoke City youth academy, but it was at Plymouth Argyle where his career truly took shape. Signed as a teenager, he quickly established himself as a reliable presence in defence. His time at Plymouth defined an era for the club, culminating in a run to the League Two Play-off Final in 2016. There, he became the youngest Plymouth captain since Norman Piper in 1967.

Leaving Plymouth via a tribunal-set transfer to Oxford United in 2016, Nelson continued to build his reputation. He made 121 appearances for the U’s and served as captain, leading them to the EFL Trophy final in the 2016–17 season. Although the team did not secure the silverware, the team did not concede either. The move to Cardiff City in 2019 offered a step up in competition, where he made 127 appearances before departing by mutual consent in 2023.

His career trajectory shifted again when he joined Derby County on a free transfer. It was a pivotal chapter. Nelson played every minute of the 46 League One games in the 2023/24 season, a feat that earned him the club’s Player of the Year award. His consistency helped Derby win promotion as League One runners-up, securing a return to the Championship. An ACL injury in January 2025 interrupted this momentum, but his resilience saw him recover in time to join Milton Keynes Dons in January 2026.

Nelson’s path has been characterised by steady progression rather than sudden stardom. He made one appearance for the England U18 side in 2011. Recognised as part of the PFA League Two Team of the Season in 2015–16.