George Curtis

Arsenal

Curtis played as a youth for Anglo (Purfleet) before signing for Arsenal in December 1936. He spent over a year at Arsenal's nursery club, Margate, before returning to Highbury in February 1938; he made his Arsenal debut in a 2–1 win at Highbury against Blackpool on 10 April 1939. He went on to make only one other first team appearance during that season. World War II intervened that September and he spent the war serving in the Royal Air Force stationed in India, but also played over 50 wartime matches for Arsenal. He also appeared as a guest player for West Ham United later in World War II. After hostilities ended he played 12 times in the 1946–47 season, but was sold to Southampton in part-exchange for Don Roper in summer 1947; in all he played 14 times for the Gunners, never scoring.

Southampton

Curtis had impressed Southampton manager Bill Dodgin who valued him at £10,000, in an exchange transfer that also saw Tom Rudkin arrive at The Dell, with Don Roper moving to Highbury. Nicknamed Twinkletoes by his teammates, Curtis was a clever, nimble player, whose feints and tricks were appreciated by the supporters, although they often frustrated his colleagues. 'Soccer Star' magazine described Curtis as an "inside-forward-cum-wing-half". During his five seasons at Southampton the club narrowly missed promotion to Division 1 for three consecutive seasons; 1947–48 they finished in third place, a feat repeated the following season (despite having an…

Mohun Bagan

Before the beginning of his coaching career, Curtis went on to manage noted Indian club Mohun Bagan for a while in 1945, during his wartime visit to the country.

Brighton and Hove Albion

His first managerial position came in June 1961 when he was appointed manager at Brighton & Hove Albion. At the end of his first season in charge, Brighton were relegated from the Second division in last place. He stayed at Brighton until February 1963, when he was replaced by Archie Macaulay.

Stevenage Town

After leaving Brighton, Curtis joined Stevenage Town in June 1963 as the first manager of their professional era. He guided the club to promotion to the Southern League Premier Division in 1966/67, before leaving the club at the end of that campaign. Curtis's tenure lasted for 260 games, during which time the club won 134 matches.

Rosenborg

He was appointed as head coach at Norwegian side Rosenborg ahead of the 1969 season replacing Knut Næss. His first meeting with the Rosenborg players is legendary:

"This is a ball," Curtis stated whilst pointing to the round leather ball. "Don't go too fast, now!" Odd Iversen laughed. Curtis introduced modern defensive football to Norway, with a flat backline 4–4–2 formation, pressure on the ball carrier and tactical focus. The 1969 debut season ended with a premiership title for Rosenborg, with Odd Iversen scoring 26 of the team's 36 league goals. Despite this success, both the club leadership and…

Managerial

Rosenborg BK

Eliteserien: 1969