PLYMOUTH Argyle believe the fee they will receive from Oxford United for Curtis Nelson proves they were right to take their case to an independent tribunal.

A Professional Football Compensation Committee hearing ruled the U's must pay an initial £200,000 to the Pilgrims.

That figure could rise to £280,000 subject to Nelson making a certain number of appearances for United, while it is understood a 20 per cent sell-on clause has also been included.

The centre back, 23, has played six games for the U's since signing a two-year deal in the summer.

As he was under 24, Plymouth are entitled to compensation, but the two clubs could not agree on a figure.

In an interview with the Plymouth Herald, chief executive Martyn Starnes said he believes the Sky Bet League Two club have been vindicated after United had offered 'significantly less' than £200,000.

Starnes said: "This is quite an unusual situation in as much as Curtis Nelson had played over 200 league games for the club at the age of 23.

"When we were preparing for the tribunal I did some research and I found that there are only three other players currently aged 23 who have made over 100 starts for their clubs.

"None of them have got anywhere near 200 games so I do feel this situation was quite extraordinary.

"We went to the tribunal knowing that we weren't looking for a transfer fee. The regulations state that when a player leaves before the age of 24 it's training compensation.

"So it's not the sort of fee you can negotiate or ask if a player is under contract.

"We didn't think Oxford's initial approach was fair and didn't represent the experience that Curtis had got playing for us from the age of 16.

"That's why we took it further and the tribunal found that Oxford's valuation of Curtis was under-stated and have given us extra money.

"I have to say we are pleased with that. It justifies us taking it to tribunal.”

U’s chairman Darryl Eales and head coach Michael Appleton attended the hearing.

Eales said the fee was “significantly higher” than United’s “initial expectation” and “a huge amount of money for a club such as ourselves and well above the amount budgeted."

Nelson made almost 250 appearances for Argyle, for whom he made his debut aged 16 in 2010.