Nelson completes MK Dons move from Derby County
MK Dons have completed their third signing of the January transfer window, landing Curtis Nelson from Derby County
Curtis Nelson hopes he can rekindle the same magic he had with Paul Warne while at Derby County after signing for MK Dons.
The 32-year-old centre-back became Dons’ third signing of the January window on Thursday, following Ben Wiles and Jay Matete to Stadium MK.
No stranger to several players in the Dons dressing room, Nelson played 73 consecutive and uninterrupted league games for the Rams under Warne, including helping them to promotion from League One, before a knee injury kept him out for 11 months.
Making his return for the Championship side last month, Nelson reunites with Warne, this time in Milton Keynes, where he hopes he can help them to similar achievements this season.
“There is a big opportunity to go and get some success this season so I want to be a part of that,” he said upon signing. “You have to take the opportunity with both hands. If I can get another promotion on my CV, that would be brilliant.
“I had a great time with the manager at Derby, so when I got the opportunity to work with him again, I took it with both hands.”
His role in Derby’s promotion in 2023/24 saw him keep 22 clean sheets and concede just 37 goals all season, earning him the Player of the Year award at Pride Park.
Describing himself as a player, Nelson continued: “I’m pretty simple, I’m a defender first and foremost! I want to give it to the likes of Gilbs, Crowley, Mendez, guys further up the pitch to let them go and do the magic. I want clean sheets and to win games.
“There is a big emphasis on set-plays, so I’m looking to add a few more goals as well!”
Playing in League Two for the first time since his Plymouth days a decade ago, Nelson said he is not taking the division lightly, despite dropping two divisions to join Dons.
He added: “It’s a tough league, it’s competitive. We’re in a good position to push on, but the second-half will be key for us.
“It’s busy in January, so we have to keep building on the momentum and get the job done. We’ve got the aim in sight and that will not change.”