A former Premier League ace has registered himself as a player for the upcoming season despite nearing his 50th birthday. The player in question began his career at Norwich City, which is where he got his first taste of top-flight football. He left the Canaries in 1996 and went on to lead a nomadic career, playing for a large number of EFL clubs.
The forward returned to Carrow Road in 2007, spending another three seasons on their books before joining Exeter City. As the years went on, he dropped into non-league and played for clubs including Eastleigh, Farnborough and Bishop’s Stortford. Earlier this year, he was appointed manager of Cambridge City but is not giving up on his career just yet.
The player in question is veteran striker Jamie Cureton, who has registered himself as player-manager for the upcoming campaign. He will celebrate his 50th birthday next month and is determined to take to the pitch after surpassing the milestone.
Speaking ahead of Cambridge’s game against Kirkley and Pakefield in the FA Cup extra preliminary round, Cureton told BBC Sport: “I’ve just registered myself as a player for the 2025-26 season and would like to make at least one appearance after my birthday.”
Despite being involved in football for the best part of five decades, Cureton’s love for the game has refused to subside and he is not planning on stepping back any time soon.
“Football is all I have ever known,” he added. “I grew up in an area where trouble was around. Maybe I would have fallen into the wrong sort of crowd.
“Luckily, I had football. Anything outside football is a bit alien to me. I’d be quite lost without it. Being involved in the game keeps me happy and sane.”
Cureton has been in charge of Cambridge City since May and is gearing up for his first full campaign in charge. He will be hoping to maintain their FA Cup campaign by leading them to victory over Kirkley and Pakefield this weekend.
After being handed the reins, Cureton said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as the new manager of Cambridge City Football Club.
“This is a fantastic opportunity, and I am eager to start this new chapter. I believe in a strong team ethic, hard work, and dedication, both on and off the field.
“My goal is to build on the solid foundation already in place, bringing fresh ideas and strategies to help the club achieve our ambitions.”
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