Curtis Alexander Nelson (born 21 May 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Championship side Blackpool. He has also played in the English Football League for Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United and Cardiff City. Nelson made his debut in the Football League in 2010. He was capped by England at under-18 level. Early and personal life Nelson was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. He is a cousin of sprinters Ashleigh and Alexander Nelson and his younger brother Wes appeared in series 4 of the reality TV show Love Island in 2018. Career Plymouth Argyle Nelson spent seven years with Stoke City as a schoolboy before being released in February 2009. He joined Plymouth Argyle two months later. His performances in the 2009–10 season for the youth team and reserves, in both defence and midfield, earned him a place in the first-team squad for the club's final match of the campaign against Peterborough United. Nelson trained with the first team during throughout their 2010–11 pre-season and impressed manager Peter Reid. "I was very impressed with young Curtis," said Reid. "I like young players and he will be training with us all the time now. He played centre-back last year but he can play midfield as well." He made his first-team debut on 10 August 2010 in the League Cup against Notts County, replacing Anton Peterlin as a second-half substitute. He signed his first professional contract in October 2010, one that would last until the end of the 2011–12 season. His performances for Argyle led to a call-up to the England under-18 team to play Italy in April 2011. He replaced George Moncur in the second half as England drew 1–1. Nelson appeared in 35 league matches during his debut season and three more in cup competitions. He finished the season by winning the club's Young Player of the Year award. Nelson began the new season in the team, but lost his place in November after the club signed Maxime Blanchard and Darren Purse. A knee injury in December meant a lengthy spell on the sidelines and new manager Carl Fletcher stressed that it was important Nelson took as long as he needed to make a full recovery. Nelson signed a new undisclosed contract in April 2012, along with teammates Luke Young and Jared Sims. Nelson finished the season with 21 appearances in all competitions. He scored his