Defender Curtis Nelson has today signed a two-year contract with League One new boys Oxford United.
The 23 year old centre back had turned a down a new deal at Home Park and was the subject of what Plymouth called a “derisory” offer from Barnsley for his services last month.
It was believed that The Reds had submitted a bid to avoid the fee being decided by a tribunal but now the Devon outfit who were defeated in the League Two Play-Off Final in May have allowed Nelson to join the U’s who won automatic promotion from the third tier and were defeated in the Johnstones’ Paint Trophy final by Barnsley in April and the fee will be decided by a tribunal.
It is the second player with some Barnsley connection to sign for Michael Appleton’s side today as they also acquired Arsenal midfielder Dan Crowley on a season long loan. The 18 year old signed on loan for Barnsley 12 months ago and made 13 appearances but his youth loan was cut short after then Reds boss Lee Johnson did not feel he was quite ready for the demands and physicality of League One football. Crowley scored once for the Reds, in their 5-3 Capital One Cup defeat to Everton.
Another player who will not be joining Paul Heckingbottom’s Championship adventure is Barnsley born defender Mark Beevers.
There were strong rumours that 26-year-old Beevers would return “home” after he left Millwall at the end of the season but he will remain in League One after signing for relegated Bolton. Beevers scored the Lions’ goal in their 3-1 Play-Off Final defeat to Barnsley.