Yahoo Sport 
Derby County hand new contract to Paul Warne favourite
Derby County have rewarded Curtis Nelson’s consistent performances by handing the centre-back a new contract.
The defender, who has been with the Rams since last summer, has agreed a new deal that will see him remain at Pride Park until at least the summer of 2026.
He was due to be out of contract in the summer, having signed 16 months ago as a free agent following his release by Blackpool.
READ MORE: Bite-ban striker scores five and returns with Derby County comment
READ MORE: Derby County are 'a little bit different' as David Clowes seeks investment
Since then Paul Warne has played him in every single league game, both last season in League One and so far this season in the Championship.
A club statement read: “His immense contribution helped Paul Warne’s side to achieve the best defensive record in the EFL, with just 37 goals conceded and 22 clean sheets recorded in total throughout the campaign.
“The quality of Nelson’s performances saw him named as the club’s Jack Stamps Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season for 2023/24.
“This term, the 31-year-old scored Derby’s first goal back in the Sky Bet Championship with a towering header away at Blackburn Rovers on the opening night, while he has continued to display his durability by playing all 1,350 minutes in the league so far this season.
“Another highlight followed with another top-class header proving to be the catalyst for a convincing 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at the start of October.”
Speaking at a fans' forum recently Warne said: "All the players are under scrutiny all the time. Curtis does have an option in his contract at the end of the season. As always we review it all the time and that will be reviewed again soon."
That time has clearly come and Nelson can now focus on the rest of his time at the Rams - and helping then secure their Championship status.
Nelson started out at Plymouth Argyle, before moving to Oxford United and then into the Championship with Cardiff City and then on to Bloomfield Road. He has already racked up 68 appearances and four goals for the Rams.
