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.
He added: “When I was a player there was a drinking culture — Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays there were always players out having a few.