Former Premier League forward Jamie Cureton has embarked on a remarkable new chapter in his storied career, taking on the role of player-manager for non-league side Kings Park Rangers at the age of 50.
A Career Spanning Decades and Divisions
Cureton's professional journey began in the mid-1990s with Norwich City in the Premier League. Over a career that started in 1993, the striker has represented a host of clubs including Reading, Bristol Rovers, Queens Park Rangers, and Colchester United. His most prolific seasons saw him net 30 goals for Reading in the third tier and win the Championship Golden Boot with Colchester in 2007.
His longevity is underscored by a unique achievement: he became the first player to score in each of England's top ten football tiers after finding the net for Kings Park Rangers against Dussindale & Hellesdon Reserves in October 2025.
Stepping into the Dugout
Cureton replaces club owner John Pollard in the Kings Park Rangers dugout. Pollard departs after a highly successful tenure, having secured 51 wins in 66 games and delivering back-to-back promotions for the Suffolk-based outfit. The club currently sits second in the Eastern Counties League Division One North.
This is not Cureton's first foray into management. He has previous experience as a player-manager at Cambridge City and has held managerial posts at Bishop's Stortford and Enfield. He also spent time coaching at Arsenal's academy, where he played a part in the early development of England star Bukayo Saka.
Philosophy and Future Prospects
Despite his dual role, Cureton has been clear about his priorities. He has previously stated that he "won't ever put myself above players who I feel need the opportunity and need to be playing." This ethos suggests he will balance his on-pitch contributions with the developmental needs of his squad.
His first match in charge will be an away fixture against Wivenhoe Town. As he leads Kings Park Rangers, Cureton continues to defy the conventional timeline for a professional footballer, proving that passion for the game knows no age limit.
