Derby County Coach Paul Warne Praises Curtis Nelson as ‘Gladiator’ Following Contract Extension

Derby County head coach Paul Warne has commented on Curtis Nelson’s new contract, comparing the central defender to a gladiator following his contract extension at Pride Park. Nelson joined the club from Blackpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 and has since participated in every one of the 61 league matches for which he has been available. “He’s played virtually every minute in the league for me since I’ve been in charge,” Warne informed BBC Radio Derby prior to the Rams’ away game against Preston North End on Saturday (15:00 GMT). “He’s been a brilliant gladiator on the pitch.” The 51-year-old coach stated that extending Nelson’s agreement by one year, which will see his current deal run until the end of June 2026, was an easy decision. “It wasn’t a very difficult one, the door wasn’t locked on either side for me, his agent or himself,” Warne further commented. “We spoke at the end of the season and I said in the typical manager terms that I would sort him out.” “He was never any trouble, he never knocked my door down, so he was nothing but a professional and hence why I want to keep him here.” “I know you can have defenders with different attributes but, for me, they have to defend first and then everything else is a Brucie Bonus and he’s definitely, I think, improved on the ball as well.” Warne also lauded Nelson’s leadership qualities within a youthful squad that has successfully adapted to its return to the Championship, where they currently hold 12th position. “What he’s like off the pitch, is perfect,” Warne remarked. “He’s excellent in the gym, he looks after himself, football means something to him.” “He gets luggy in training if someone nutmegs him – he’s everything you want in a footballer”.