dai-sport journalist Terry Phillips attended the Wales Sports Awards evening at Celtic Manor. He looks at award winners.
Swansea’s Legend was honoured during the BBC Wales Sport Awards at Celtic Manor Resort.
Former Swansea City, Cardiff City, Leeds United and Wales striker Alan Curtis was presented with a lifetime achievement award.
Leon Britton, who plays and coaches for the Swans, has worked with Curtis since 2003.
“It was fantastic being asked to present the award to Curt, an honour to share that moment with him,” said Britton.
“Curt is known around the football club as ‘The Legend’. When we played Hull City in 2003 and had to win to stay in the Football League, Curt gathered the boys around him before kick-off and told us how much the club means to everybody in the Swansea area.
“He talked about the fans, everybody in the Swansea area. His words were crucial before we went out for that game.”
Welsh comedian and actor Ellis James, a big Swansea fan, joined Britton on stage for the presentation to Curtis and said: “Curt is our Bobby Charlton.
“He is universally adored by Swansea fans and will be a legend for the next 50 years at our club.”
Curtis is one of the Swansea’s greatest ever players, having starred in the rise from the old Fourth Division to the summit of the top flight under John Toshack.
Since retiring, Curtis has held a host of positions on the Swans staff, playing a significant role as a coach.
©Sportingwales
He has also been caretaker manager on a number of occasions and now works as the Swans’ loan player manager.
“I had no inkling whatsoever about the award,” said Curtis. “I was asked to be among those representing the club and was expecting a couple of beers and a little bit to eat.
“It is a terrific honour, totally unexpected. I am really proud of this award.
“My career will always be defined by my time at Swansea. It’s a club that means a huge amount to me.
“As a player the highlight was getting to the First Division. Now to have seven years in the Premier League has been fantastic for everyone at the club.
“We have worked so hard to get here that we want to stay around.
“Swansea City means a huge amount to me.I’ve spent the majority of my adult life and to see us bottom of the Premier League is not great for anybody.
“It is the biggest and best league in the World and we are determined to keep on working to stay there.”
Rhondda-born Curtis began his career with Swansea City in 1972 and spent the next seven years with the club, helping them win successive promotions.
He moved on to Leeds United, returned to Swansea and help them win promotion from Division Two in 1981.
Former Wales international Curtis signed for Southampton and joined Stoke City on loan before heading back to Wales. He signed for Cardiff City and played a key role in a Bluebirds promotion and Welsh Cup success in 1988.
Inevitably, he returned to Swansea before ending his playing career with Barry Town.
Photo: Pradip Kotecha
©Sportingwales
The 63-year-old Curtis then started a fourth spell with the Swans, working in most backroom staff, coaching and managerial roles over the last 20 years. He is currently the club’s loan player manager, monitoring he progress of those sent out to other clubs to gain experience.
Coverage of the Wales Sport Awards 2017 are available on BBC iPlayer for the next 30 days and will also be shown on the BBC Red Button at 5.30pm on Saturday.
