Cureton: Still Playing at 50, Coaching Future Stars
As Jamie Cureton approaches his 50th birthday, the veteran footballer shows no signs of slowing down after a remarkable 22-club career spanning three promotions and three relegations.
"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," says Cambridge City's player-manager as he prepares his team for Saturday's FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at Kirkley & Pakefield.
A Career Spanning Generations
Cureton was just 19 when he made his Premier League debut for Norwich City against Everton in November 1994. That season saw Blackburn Rovers crowned champions, Neville Southall guarding Everton's goal, and Oldham Athletic and Swindon Town relegated from the top flight.
If he plays for Cambridge City this campaign, Cureton will complete an astonishing 32 consecutive seasons across nine tiers of English football - from the Premier League to the Essex Senior League.
The Journey Through 22 Clubs
The Bristol-born striker's career has taken him to:
- Norwich City
- Bournemouth (loan)
- Bristol Rovers
- Reading
- Busan I'Cons (South Korea)
- QPR
- Swindon Town
- Colchester United
- Barnsley (loan)
- Shrewsbury (loan)
- Exeter City
- Leyton Orient
- Cheltenham Town
- Dagenham & Redbridge
- Farnborough
- Eastleigh
- St Albans City
- Bishop's Stortford
- Enfield
- Hornchurch
- Maldon & Tiptree
- Cambridge City
"Football is all I've ever known," Cureton tells BBC Sport. "Growing up in Bristol, I might have fallen into the wrong crowd without football. It's kept me happy and sane throughout my life."
Joining Football's Elite 1,000 Club
Cureton has surpassed 1,000 professional appearances - a milestone shared with legends like Xavi and Raul. Wikipedia records show him with 1,075 games, ranking 25th all-time.
His most recent appearance came on April 26, 2025, when the 49-year-old came on as a substitute in Cambridge City's 1-0 win over Basildon Town - 24 years older than the matchwinner, Junior Mubiayi.
"I'm either four or six goals away from 400 in my career," Cureton notes. "I'd love to reach that milestone."
From Player to Coach
After his last professional appearance at 41, Cureton transitioned into non-league management with player-coach roles at Bishop's Stortford, Enfield, and now Cambridge City.
He also enjoyed a two-year stint coaching Arsenal's academy from 2017-2019, where he worked with a young Bukayo Saka. "It's no surprise to see his success," Cureton says of the England international. "He was humble, hardworking, and brilliant in school too."
The 50-Year-Old Footballer
As Cureton prepares to turn 50 on August 28, he remains registered as a player for Cambridge City's upcoming season. "I won't pick myself over younger players who need opportunities," he insists, "but I'm there if needed."
The club, founded in 1908, recently moved to a new 3,000-capacity stadium and drew 2,640 fans for a preseason friendly against Cambridge United. "I'm older than most of my players' dads!" Cureton laughs. "If I can help them with their game or life, I'm doing my job."
As Cambridge City begin their FA Cup journey this weekend, Cureton hasn't ruled out one final cup appearance before retirement. "I never imagined still playing at 50," he reflects. "Football's been good to me, and I hope to stay involved for another 10-15 years as a coach before finally taking up golf or fishing."