George Curtis

George Frederick Curtis (3 December 1919 – 17 November 2004)

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.

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".

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.

After football

He retired to live on the Essex coast where he continued to coach youngsters as part of the FIFA coaching scheme, remaining as passionate about the game as ever.

He died in 2004, reportedly spending the final years of his life living on his own in a caravan in Chelmsford.

Honours Managerial Rosenborg BK Eliteserien: 1969