Carlisle boss Keith Curle reveals how battle with alcohol almost ruined his career – just like ex-Arsenal hero Kenny Sansom
IN the same week SunSport revealed the extent of the decline of former England international, the Carlisle boss reveals how he beat his addiction
KEITH CURLE has revealed the secret battle with the bottle that wrecked his marriage and threatened to ruin his career.
But the Carlisle manager, 52, says he has never been happier or more content after being sober for 2½ years.
SunSport will follow him every step of the way today as his ambitious side take on Wycombe as we continue our exclusive spotlight on the life of a lower-league boss.
Curle, two years into the job, is quietly confident he can win promotion this season and further his bid to one day take charge of a Premier League club.
Yet he knows that years of alcoholism held his career back — as a player, coach and manager.
The three-time England cap, who skippered Manchester City in the early 1990s, revealed: “Did I spend 28 days drying out in the Priory? Yes.
“Do I attend AA? Yes. Am I an alcoholic? Yes.”
In the week that we revealed the booze-addled life of former England and Arsenal star Kenny Sansom, Curle is a shining example of someone pulling himself together and succeeding.
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He added: “When I was a player there was a drinking culture — Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays there were always players out having a few.
“But I was one of those who didn’t stop and go home because I didn’t want to stop drinking. I lost my off switch.
“And, of course, there were consequences in my family life with my marriage and in my professional life.
“It would be fair to say I could have done a whole lot better than I did when I was playing.
“But I loved the social life of a footballer — the players’ bar, the nights out, the celebrity. I could have three different sets of pals in one day.
“There would be the golf ones where we’d sink a few pints after playing on our day off. Then it would be on to the Indian and there would be a different set there before I’d head off to the casino and meet more mates and have more drinks.”
Curle’s marriage to wife Geraldine ended but he is grateful that he still has children 30-year-old Thomas, 24-year-old Natasha and Maci-Eva, 12, to turn to.
The former defender spends most of his week based in Carlisle as he works with his players but every Wednesday and every Sunday is always spent with his beloved kids.
Curle added: “They are my life triangle, they mean everything to me, the keep me grounded.
“I made a lot of mistakes but I don’t see myself as a victim — I only had myself to blame.
“I made a decision to sort myself out 2½ years ago and it is the best thing I ever did.
“Not that long ago I wasn’t so sure if I would have a future.
“But I am through all that and on the other side now — it feels fantastic.”
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