Keith Curle

Personalia: Born: 14/11 1963 Birthplace: Bristol Nationality: England (3/0) Height: 5`10" (178cm) Weight: 12st. 7lb 79kg) Position: Centre Back Playing Record:     League FAC LC Season: Club: App Gls App Gls App Gls: 1981-1983 Bristol Rovers 32 4 1 0 3 0 1983-1984 Torquay 15 5 1 1 0 0 1984-1987 Bristol City 115 1 5 0 8 0 1987-1988 Reading 40 0 0 0 8 0 1988-1991 Wimbledon 93 3 5 0 7 0 1991-1992 Manchester City 40 5         1992-1993 Manchester City 39 3         1993-1994 Manchester City 29 1         1994-1995 Manchester City 31 2         1995-1996 Manchester City 32 0 (14) (0) (18) (2) 1996-2000 Wolverhampton 150 10 11 1 7 1 2001-2002 Sheffield United 57 1 1 0 3 0 2002 Barnsley 11 0 0 0 1 0 2002-2003 Mansfield 14 0 0 0 0 0 Total: 696 35 38 2 55 3

Bristol born Keith Curle became Britain's most expensive defender when he left Wimbledon for City in a £2.5m deal in 1991. He was soon in the England 'B' side and in 1992 played three times for the full England team. Keith scored on his League debut for Bristol Rovers against Chester in 1981 and was transferred to Torquay two years later. He remained at Plainmoor only a few weeks before linking up with Bristol City. Reading paid 150,000 pounds when signing him in 1987, then received 500,000 pounds when he moved on to Wimbledon a year later.

In summer 1996; Keith was stripped for his captainancy, and after some rather miserable spells in the pre-season friendlies he left City for Wolverhampton. After leaving Maine Road he explained that he was very disappointed when he was unwanted as captain, and ever since he wanted to leave. He also stated that he believed that Wolverhampton probably had better supporters than City, whatever that was supposed to mean....

After 150 league games for Wolves he went to Sheffield United where he more or less ended his playing days with 57 more league games. Despite his controversial departure from Maine Road, Keith was a strong presence and Captain in a City team battling for medals during the 1990ies.

Curle the Manager

18/10 2002: Defender Keith Curle has left crisis-club Barnsley by mutual consent. Former England international Curle made 12 first team appearances for the side since arriving from Sheffield United of a free in August 2002. Curle apparently has his eyes on entering management and could re-join the Tykes in a coaching capacity. "In recent days Keith has asked to be released from his contract with the club and as a consequence his registration has been cancelled by mutual consent," read a statement on the Barnsley website.

2/12 2002: Mansfield Town have confirmed the appointment of former England defender Keith Curle as their new player-manager. Ex-Manchester City star Curle will take over from Stuart Watkiss, who was sacked along with his assistant Neil Richardson on Monday. Curle's experience should help a defense which has already leaked more than 50 goals this season.

11/11 2004: Mansfield Manager Keith Curle is determined to fight to clear his name over allegations he bullied a young Mansfield trainee into doing a weightlifting circuit. Curle has been suspended by Stags chairman Keith Haslam, pending an internal investigation into alleged claims made against the former England international. He is facing the prospect of being sacked by the League Two club when the findings of the enquiry are published next week - but Curle is ready to fight to save his reputation. Curle, who has worked without a contract since he took charge in December 2002, has consulted the League Managers' Association and taken legal advice. He said last night: "Once I am in receipt of the allegations in writing I will refute them to clear my name. I am a professional and honourable man and I will continue to conduct myself in that manner."

Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no