Skipper Keeping Even Keel

The Pilgrims’ skipper appeared in game number 202 for Argyle last weekend: their 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers – quite an achievement for a man aged just 22 – but Curtis is much more concerned with the achievements of the football club over his own accolades. 

“Obviously I’ve been quite lucky to play so many games at such a young age,” said Nelson, "but at the end of that day it’s about what we do as a team this year; not the milestones that I achieve. 

“It’s not about my form; it’s about the team. You can’t do anything as an individual on the pitch, and you can’t win anything or go anywhere without your teammates.” 

The entire team’s progress is positive, too, with Argyle occupying joint-second spot in the Sky Bet League 2 table. An excellent start for the Greens, then, though Nelson knows that it is, indeed, just the start. 

“I think it’s still early days,” said Curtis. “We’ve played eight games now so it’s still quite early.

“I don’t think the table’s settled down or opened up that much. We’ve just got to take it a game at a time at the moment. We’re happy with the position we’re in at the moment. It’s just about maintaining it."

Part of the process of maintaining their early-season form may well come down to the ever-impressive support of the Green Army over the coming months, which has already left an impression on the skipper this season. 

“It is a positive, having so many fans in the stadium,” said Nelson. “It’s definitely better to play with more fans in the ground – it is a 12th man. 

“I think it’s important that they realise how much of a positive effect they have on the team.”