Oakwell X: John Curtis

John began his career at Manchester United and was tipped as a huge star for the future. Part of their FA Youth Cup winning team in 1995, he was still only 16 years old and in his final year of secondary school. Signing his first pro-contract in 1997, proving himself as competent right-back and centre-back, he was unable to claim a regular first team place at United.

Arriving at Barnsley F.C. on loan during the 1999-2000 season, Curtis demonstrated his pedigree to the Oakwell faithful, turning out 30 times for the Reds.

If you are reading this  article John; this is where you registered your only two career goals to date! - and very grateful we were.

This was a season which culminated in the Play-Off final against Ipswich Town and sadly this was his last appearance in a Barnsley shirt. Sir Alex Ferguson didn't want John to leave Old Trafford but Blackburn boss Graeme Souness managed to prize him away during the summer of 2000 for a fee of £1.5m, going on to spend three seasons there.

Since his departure from Blackburn, he has played for various clubs including Sheffield United (loan), Leicester City, Portsmouth, Preston North End (loan), Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers (released); John is currently without a club.

This is a sad state of affairs indeed, for a footballer with a good few seasons still left to offer.

In his most recent Diary article, John writes:

"I have absolutely no doubts about my ability to do a job for someone and I am gagging to get that chance."

Thanks for such a magnificent season whilst you were with us John. On the Ponty End sincerely wishes you all the best for the future!