Tribunal orders Oxford to pay Argyle six-figure compensation for Nelson

The Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) has ruled Oxford United will have to pay Plymouth Argyle a minimum of £200,000 in compensation for the free transfer.

Former Argyle captain Nelson, 23, opted not to renew his contract with the Pilgrims at the end of last season following the League Two play-off defeat to AFC Wimbledon in May, signing for Oxford two months later as a free agent.

Argyle qualified for compensation given the eight years Nelson was developed at the club and being younger than 24 years of age. But with the two parties unable to meet an agreement on the player’s valuation a meeting today in London with the independent PFCC made its own ruling.

Accepting the decision somewhat reluctantly, U’s chief executive Darryl Eales commented: “The figure is significantly higher than our initial expectation. We respect the Committee’s decision but Plymouth have seemingly benefited from the lack of clarity of how the ‘youth compensation’ regulations are applied. This is a huge amount of money for a club such as ourselves and well above the amount budgeted.”

“On the plus side, Curtis is a player with a huge potential which I am sure will be realised under Michael’s tutelage and he will be a central figure in the progression of the club.

Central defender Nelson was one of Oxford’s high-profile signings over the summer, with Championship side Barnsley also reportedly interested. His impact at the Kassam Stadium has been hampered by injury however, featuring on only five occasions this season due to a foot problem which has kept his out of the side.

The PFCC also injected an appearances clause into the deal which if reached will warrant Oxford paying an additional £80,000 to the League Two’s top of the table side.