John Curtis began his career under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

He went on to make 19 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, before spending a season on loan at Barnsley.

His performances for the Tykes didn't go unnoticed though and in the summer of 2000, Blackburn Rovers boss Graeme Souness swooped to secure his services in a £150,000 transfer.

Curtis was an ever-present during his first campaign at Ewood Park, as Blackburn were promoted to the Premiership.

England Under-21 caps followed in due course, only for injury to limit his participation in season 2001/02 to just ten top-flight appearances.

He failed to regain his regular starting place, and spent the second half of the 2002/03 campaign on loan at Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United.

At the end of the season he was released by Blackburn and was immediately snapped up by Leicester City on a free transfer.

However, Curtis' spell with the Foxes was unsuccessful, and after making just 17 appearances, he was transferred to Portsmouth in February 2004.

After failing to win a regular starting place in the Pompey side, Curtis was loaned out to Preston North End at the start of the 2004/05 campaign.

In January 2005, Curtis was transferred on a free to Nottingham Forest, for whom he made 90 appearances in all competitions.