Keith Curle

Bio

• Born: Nov 14, 1963
• Birthplace: Bristol
• Nationality: English, 3 games / 0 goals
• Height: 178 cm
• Weight: 79 kg
• Position: Centre Back

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.

Playing record

Dec 2nd 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.Oct 18th 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.

Nov 11th 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.”

May 7th 2007: Torquay United releases Curle from his short term position as “Head Coach” after failing to save Torquay from relegation. Curle’s contract was not renewed and he was replaced by Leroy Rosenior.

Oct 11th 2007: Curle is appointed to Neil Warnock’s coaching team at Crystal Palace where he spent 3 years befor following Warnock to Queens Park Rangers in 2010, again as Coach. Curle was released from the job when QPR decided to replace Warnock in 2012.

Feb 3rd 2013: Notts County inform that Manager Keith Curle has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. Curle, who took over at Meadow Lane in February 2012, was informed of the decision in the wake of the 2-1 defeat to Hartlepool United. Notts County have won just two of their last 11 games in all competitions, a run that has seen them drop to 10th in the npower League 1 table, five points off the play-off places. Curle made an impressive start to his reign at Notts County winning his first four games. He finished the 2011–12 season with Notts County  in 7th place, only missing out on the play-offs by goal difference. The sacking of Curle did not have the effect the Chairman hoped for and the following season Notts County found themselves in a serious relegation battle resting firmly at the foot of the table.