EVEREADY KID » »
Cureton still loves playing at 44 after 27 seasons and over 1,000 games Fergie phoned him at home to ask why he said no to joining Class of ’92
JAMIE CURETON turned down the chance to join Manchester United’s Class of ’92 – but he has outlasted all of them on the pitch.
The veteran striker, who turns 45 next month, is about to start pre-season training for his 20th club, Essex Senior League side Enfield FC.
It all began for Cureton in the youth set-up at Norwich. And it was there, 30 years ago as a 15-year-old, that Sir Alex Ferguson came calling.
The Red Devils were in transition and Cureton felt settled in Norfolk – but Fergie (right) was reluctant to take no for an answer.
Prolific poacher Cureton has gone on to rack up 1,034 competitive appearances and 369 goals in 27 seasons in the lower leagues. That puts him two matches behind Ryan Giggs, one of the famous group.
Cureton said: “When I was 15, United offered me an apprenticeship and a two-year pro contract.
“I didn’t feel the need to move. Norwich were in the top flight and bringing through kids.
“The irony is it’s the Class of 1992 kids I would have joined
– and they all went on to break into the team! Of course, you think about it.
“Fergie even called the house after I said no to the offer, wanting to hear my reasons.
“But my only regret in football is that I did not play more in the Premier League.”
Cureton’s calling card has been goals for Bristol Rovers, Reading, Colchester, Exeter and many others.
Since dropping into non-league in 2016, he has added over 100 more. He will do some coaching at Enfield, but the plan is to play – and to score.
He said: “I just love playing. If I had not been a pro, I’d have played for a pub team. If I get a great job offer or my legs go, I’ll stop.
“I eat well, and don’t drink. As for relating to the younger players, I am young at heart – my wife says I’ve never grown up. And I am older than some of their dads!
“I am proud of making over 1,000 appearances as a player, and I should get close to 1,100 next season. I also want to reach 400 goals.”
His name is also still linked with the false rumour he was sold by Bristol Rovers at a knockdown price for a liaison with the chairman’s daughter. Cureton said: “I wanted to leave, the team was breaking up. But it was the fee paid by Reading – £250,000 – that infuriated fans. Jason Roberts went for £2million.
“Stories circulated over the fee – the biggest was that I’d slept with the chairman’s daughter.
“It was complete nonsense, but took on a life of its own.
“I had planned to stay living in the city, but the rumour drove me out of
Bristol.
“But I’ve since gone back and played i n charity games there.”