http://www.swanseacity.com SWANSEA CITY v WEST BROMWICH ALBIONSTILETTOS AND STUDS
HE IS RIGHTLY REFERRED TO AS A LEGEND. WE BAND THAT TERM ABOUT FAR
TOO EASILY THESE DAYS, BUT IN CURT’S CASE, HE MOST DEFINITELY IS.
BY JULIE KISSICKI
n a season which so far hasn't
given us much to shout about,
the news of Alan Curtis' award
earlier this week certainly lifted
the mood.
In case you missed it, Curt won a
lifetime achievement award at the
BBC Wales Sports Awards, which
were held at the Celtic Manor on
Monday evening.
And, fittingly, he was presented with
the honour by a man who has also
had a huge impact on this club, our
player-assistant coach, former
captain and fans’ favourite, Leon
Britton.
Curt is one of the loveliest, most
down-to-earth people you will ever
meet. He is described by those who
know him as a humble man. If ever
there was evidence of this, it came
in his acceptance speech.
“It means everything to me. I
probably haven’t got the words. I’m
really proud of this award,” he said.Clearly though, he had been
hoodwinked into attending the
ceremony.
“I was asked to come along here
today because I thought we were
struggling for numbers. I never get
invited anywhere these days,” he
joked.
Most Jacks don't need reminding of
the contribution King Curt has made
to this club over the decades.
He is rightly referred to as a legend.
We band that term about far too
easily these days, but in Curt’s case,
he most definitely is.
I am part of a generation of fans
who remember a young Alan Curtis
during his early years at the Vetch.
Curt, Jeremy Charles and Robbie
James were household names to
people like me. They were our
heroes.
My school books, covered in
obligatory brown paper, bore the
names ‘Charlo’, ‘Robbie’ and ‘Curt’on the covers.
When many of my friends were
decorating their walls with pictures
of Donny Osmond or David Cassidy,
I had pictures of the trio on mine.
Lots of water has passed under the
bridge since then, including Curt
leaving us for Leeds (I was
heartbroken), Southampton (gutted)
and Cardiff City (no words).
But he always came ‘home’,
because Swansea City is where his
heart is.
“My time will always be defined ...
by my time at the Swans,” he told
the star-studded audience.
Leon Britton added: “The thing is
with Curt when he speaks, everyone
listens. He’s got the whole respect
of everyone in Swansea.”
How true. And how well deserved
Curt. We are incredibly proud of you
and immensely grateful for all you
have done for this club and the
influence you continue to have here.ALAN CURTIS AND LEON BRITTON AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY