CURTIS Nelson has lost the Oxford United captaincy ahead of today’s visit to Wycombe Wanderers.

The centre back had led the U’s since July 2017, when he took over from John Lundstram after the midfielder moved to Sheffield United.

But the lack of a resolution to talks over a new contract, which was first offered several months ago, has prompted the move from head coach Karl Robinson.

John Mousinho, who wore the armband last season when Nelson was out injured, has taken on the role, but it is unclear how long he will be in the role.

Robinson said: “We’ll see. We’ll rotate it in certain games.

“Internally we’ve been having negotiations since the back end of season with Nelse over a contract.

“We’re fine, there’s no problems and once it’s resolved things will move forward.

“I’m Oxford United’s manager, that’s my only thought.

“Mous’s contract is up in the summer as well, but sometimes when you’re going through those periods then taking that bit of pressure off you might help as well.

“It is pressure, captaining a club. While we’re talking about contracts and results aren’t going great then maybe that release might help him or give him that bit between his teeth to improve more.

“Sometimes it helps to give it to people, sometimes it might help to take it away from people. That’s what we’ve gone for.”

Nelson joined United in 2016 from Plymouth Argyle, where he had also been captain, with a tribunal later setting a fee of £280,000.

While his initial deal expired at the end of last season, the U’s activated a clause to extend it by 12 months.