How Eiran Cashin has reacted to Curtis Nelson leaving Derby County | OneFootball

The former Rams defender has sent a message to his ex-teammate after he completed his move to MK Dons on Thursday.

Curtis Nelson has left Derby County after two-and-a-half years with the Rams, joining MK Dons on a permanent deal as they search for promotion to League One.

The centre-back has been reunited with former head coach Paul Warne, while he also links up with ex-Rams wide pair Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Kane Wilson after they both departed Pride Park for Stadium MK in the summer after helping the East Midlands outfit to Championship survival last season.

A fan favourite, Nelson made 83 appearances for Derby, playing every single minute of their promotion campaign in the third tier in 2023/24.

However, after suffering an ACL injury last January, the 32-year-old has found himself down the pecking order and John Eustace has sanctioned a move to MK Dons for the centre-back. Now, teammates past and present have sent messages to him following the move on social media - including Eiran Cashin.

Eiran Cashin reacts as Curtis Nelson leaves Derby County

With Sondre Langas, Dion Sanderson and Matt Clarke taking on the main responsibility in the middle of the defence, and Danny Batth coming in for cover, the Rams do have plenty of options at centre-back. Therefore, Nelson has seen this January as the time to depart and get the game time he wants.

However, he has posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking all those involved at Derby: "Rams, Thank you to all the fans for the last 2 and half seasons at this amazing club; your support home and away is second to none. Nothing better than a bouncing Pride Park! The memories made will last forever, in particular gaining promotion back to the Championship."

Nelson concluded: "Shout out to all of the staff at Moor Farm and Pride Park that keep this great club ticking. And to the playing staff and coaches who have kept me ready for training and games. Special mention to the medical and S&C teams in particular for putting me back together for the best part of 8 months. It wasn’t pretty or easy but they got me through some tough times! Nels ✈️🐏"

New Blackburn Rovers loanee and former Rams star Cashin wrote in reply:

While ex-Derby captain and current Barnsley boss, Conor Hourihane, said: "All the best moving forward Nels 👍🏻"

Curtis Nelson should be a star in League Two for MK Dons

While Nelson has played just twice in the last 12 months, he is already back at full fitness and Warne will have arguably League Two's best centre-back at his disposal straight away.

He was excellent for the MK Dons boss during his time at Pride Park, and his return to action against Leicester City and Birmingham City in December was proof that he can still reach the same levels that he did before his injury.

There is no doubt that Nelson would have been more than comfortable in the Championship, and he would excel in League One, but to drop down to League Two may come as a surprise.

The 32-year-old will shine in the fourth tier, and with MK Dons chasing promotion, they have gained a leader and incredible defender in the form of the ex-Plymouth Argyle man, who will be wished well by all at Derby.