Craig Curran

Craig Curran
Personal information
Full name Craig Carl Curran
Date of birth (1989-08-23) 23 August 1989
Place of birth Liverpool, England
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Playing position Forward
Club information
Current team
 Ross County
Number 11
Youth career
Tranmere Rovers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2006–2010 Tranmere Rovers 97 (14)
2010–2012 Carlisle United 57 (8)
2012 → Morecambe (loan) 7 (1)
2012–2013 Rochdale 4 (0)
2012–2013 → Chester (loan) 11 (7)
2013 → Limerick (loan) 13 (3)
2013–2014 Limerick 17 (4)
2014–2015 Nuneaton 13 (1)
2015– Ross County 33 (11)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17:51, 12 December 2015 (UTC).

† Appearances (goals)

Craig Carl Curran (born 23 August 1989) is an English football player currently playing for Scottish club Ross County. Curran plays as a striker, who operate in midfield or attack.[1]

Career

Tranmere Rovers

Born in Liverpool, England, Curran grew up in Liverpool and was educated at the Liverpool Blue Coat School. By April 2006, Curran signed his first professional contract with the club,[1] keeping him until 2007.[2] Curran is a product of the Youth system at Tranmere and was top scorer for the Reserves in the 2006–2007 season.

Initially not ready for first team football, a comment was made by Ronnie Moore,[3] Curran finally made his first appearance for Tranmere Rovers on Saturday 13 January 2007 coming on as an 84th-minute substitute in the 3–2 loss to Bristol City.[4] He scored with his first ever senior touch at Prenton Park against Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday 9 April 2007. The goal was also Curran's first ever senior goal.[5]

On 5 May 2007, Prenton Park was taken by storm as Curran scored three times in the first 36 minutes to record his first hat-trick for the club.[6] The feat also broke a record set by Tranmere legend Dixie Dean as the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick in a Rovers' shirt. The record was originally set on 25 October 1924. He finished his first ever season with four goals in four appearances, with only two of them being starts.

Just eight days before the start of the 2007–08 season, Curran signed a contract with Tranmere Rovers, keeping him until 2010.[7] Curran then scored two goals in two games against Carlisle United on 8 September 2007[8] and Luton Town on 14 September 2007[9] But during the early part of the 2007–08 season he has been used sparingly by manager Ronnie Moore, being limited to a handful of starts, although he has made regular appearances from the bench. On 10 November 2007 he was sent off for the first time in his senior career, during an FA Cup First Round match away at Chesterfield. He picked up two bookings after coming on as a late substitution, one for delaying the restart of play (preventing a free kick being taken) and the second for a foul on a Chesterfield player.[10] Curran ended his 2007–08 season, with forty appearance and scoring two times in all competitions.

Ahead of the 2008–09 season, Curran stated he would improve his fitness to get first team football, as well as, scoring goals.[11] The work was soon paid off when Curran scored two goals in first four games against Hartlepool United on 16 August 2008[12] and Northampton Town on 30 August 2008.[13] But unfortunately, Curran suffered a groin injury,[14] stomach muscle injury[15] and back strain[16][17] that kept him out for months. After making his return from injury in a reserve match against Bury on 14 March 2009,[18] Curran made his first team three days, coming on as a substitute for Charlie Barnett in the 68th minutes, in a 1–0 loss against Cheltenham Town.[19] On the last game of the season, Curran scored his third goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Scunthorpe United, which the draw cost the club a play-off place[20] despite positive chances of reaching the play-offs.[21] Curran ended his 2008–09 season, making sixteen appearance and scoring three times.

In the 2009–10 season saw Curran regained his first team place after regaining his fitness[22] and then scored his first goal of the season, in the first round of League Cup, in a 4–0 win over Grimsby Town on 11 August 2009.[23] He then scored two goals in two games against Huddersfield Town on 1 December 2009[24] and then scored four days on 5 December 2009 later against Brentford.[25] Two weeks later on 19 December 2009, Curran scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Bristol Rovers.[26] Curran then ended his fifteen games without scoring when he scored, in a 3–1 win over Norwich City on 2 April 2010.[27] Two weeks later on 17 April 2010, Curran scored his fifth goal of the season, in a 3–1 win over Exeter City.[28] Despite improving his fitness during the season,[29] Curran made fifty appearance and scoring six times in all competitions.

At the end of the 2009–10 season, Curran was offered a new contract by the club.[30]

Carlisle United

Curran signed for Carlisle United upon conclusion of the 2009–10 season on a free transfer, his contract at Tranmere having elapsed and not been renewed.[31] Upon joining the club, Manager Greg Abbott believed that Curran could be the signing of the year if Curran scores goal regularly ahead of the new season.[32]

Curran made his Carlisle United debut, in the opening game of the season, where he helped the club win a penalty, allowing Ian Harte successfully convert the penalty, in a 2–0 win over Brentford.[33] It took until 11 September 2010 when he scored his first Carlisle United goal, in a 1–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.[34] His second goal then came on 23 October 2010, in a 4–3 loss against Charlton Athletic.[35] Curran scored his first goal of 2011, in a 4–0 win over Bristol Rovers.[36] Between on 15 February 2011 and 1 March 2011, Curran scored three goals in five matches against Oldham Athletic,[37] Exeter City[38] and Charlton Atletic[39] Curran scored a brace on 16 April 2011, in a 4–1 win over Colchester United, which earned him a Man of the Match.[40][41] He was a regular starter in his first season, and scored eight goals.

However, in the 2011–12 season, Curran found starts, and even substitute appearances, more difficult to come by owing to the arrival of Lee Miller, Paddy Madden and Rory Loy at Brunton Park. Not only that, Curran suffered a knee injury that kept him sidelined since November.[42] Curran received mixed reviews whilst at Carlisle, and whilst many fans admired his work rate and effort, they felt that he did not contribute enough goals.

On 22 March 2012, Curran signed for Morecambe on loan until the end of the season.[43] Two days later, Curran made his Morecambe debut, coming on as a substitute for Lewis Alessandra in the 66th minutes, in a 1–0 win over Shrewsbury Town.[44] Curran also featured in a reserve game for Morecambe against a Manchester City side which saw the return of Carlos Tevez. Morecambe lost 6–1 but Curran got on the score sheet for the Shirmps.[45] On his debut for the first team he scored a diving header, in a 2–1 win against Oxford United on 31 March 2012.[46] Curran later made seven appearance and scoring once.

On 7 May 2012, Carlisle United announced that Curran's contract would not be renewed beyond the 2011–12 season.[47]

Rochdale

Curran then signed on non-contact terms at Rochdale on 10 August 2012.[48]

Curran made his Rochdale debut, coming on as a substitute for Dele Adebola in the 70th minutes, in a 4–2 loss against Torquay United on 25 August 2012.[49] Curran then provided an assist for Jason Kennedy , who scored a winning goal, in a 3–2 win over Accrington Stanley on 6 October 2012.[50]

On 9 November 2012, he joined Conference North side Chester on a one-month loan deal.[51] Curran impressed Chester in his short time at the Exacta which led to his loan being extended for a further month.[52] Curran scored seven goals in 11 league appearances performances. Curran's most memorable game at Chester was in a 4–1 win against Bishop's Stortford where he scored a hat-trick after coming on as a second-half substitute.[53]

At the end of the 2012–13 season, Curran was released by the club.[54]

Limerick

On 15 February 2013, Curran signed on loan with Limerick in the League of Ireland Premier Division, subjected to an international clearance.[55]

Curran made his Limerick debut on 10 March 2013, in a 0–0 draw against Cork City, where he played 90 minutes, playing as a centre-forward.[56] Curran scored his first Limerick goal one week later on 23 March 2013, in a 2–1 loss against Sligo Rovers[57] Two weeks later on 2 April 2013, Curran scored his second Limerick goal, in a 1–1 draw against Shamrock Rovers.[58] Two months later on 29 June 2013, Curran scored his third goal of the season, in a 3–2 win over Dundalk.[59]

Curran signed for Limerick on a permanent deal till the end of the 2014 season on July 1.[60] Curran's first game after signing for the club on a permanent basis came on 5 July 2013, in a 1–0 win over Bohemian.[61] In the next game against Drogheda United four days later, Curran scored twice in a 4–4 draw.[62] Curran later scored two goal to add his tally to seven against Cork City[63] and UCD.[64] In his first season at Limerick saw Curran made twenty-six appearance and scoring seven times.

In his second season at Limerick saw Curran struggled to score goals in four appearance, due to injuries. After media speculation in Ireland claiming that Curran is leaving the club,[65] it was confirmed the next day that Curran left the club.[66]

Following his departure, Curran made a farewell speech, paying tribute to the club's and its supporters.[67] During his time at Limerick, Curran was the club's fan favourite.[68]

Nuneaton Town

On 29 August 2014, Curran signed for Nuneaton Town, making his debut in the clubs 2–1 win against Altrincham at Liberty Way the next day.[69]

Curran scored his first Nuneaton Town goal on 27 September 2014, in a 2–1 win over Dartford.[70] Curran left Nuneaton in November 2014, agreeing a mutual termination of his contract.[71]

Ross County

On 2 January 2015, Curran signed for Scottish Premiership club Ross County on a contract until the end of the 2014–15 season.[72]

He scored on his debut to help Ross County to a 1–1 draw away to Dundee on 4 January 2015.[73] It took until 21 February 2015 for Curran scored his second goal for the club, in a 3–1 win over Partick Thistle.[74] Curran then scored three goals in three games against Partick Thistle on 7 March 2015,[75] followed up seven days later against Hamilton Academical[76] and followed up once again seven days later against Kilmarnock.[77] After helping the club retained their Scottish Premiership status for next season, on 30 April 2015, Curran signed a new two-year contract, keeping him at Ross County until 2017.[78]

Career statistics

As of 16 December 2015
Club statistics
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Tranmere Rovers 2006–07[79] League One 4400000044
2007–08[80] 35230101[lower-alpha 1]0402
2008–09[81] 15300101[lower-alpha 2]0173
2009–10[82] 43550211[lower-alpha 3]1517
Total 971480413111216
Carlisle United 2010–11[83] League One 45830105[lower-alpha 4]0548
2011–12[84] 12010201[lower-alpha 5]0160
Total 578403060708
Morecambe (loan) 2011–12[84] League Two 71—71
Rochdale 2012–13[85] League Two 4000101[lower-alpha 6]060
Chester (loan) 2012–13[86] Conference North 11700—2[lower-alpha 7]0137
Limerick (loan) 2013[87] League of Ireland Premier Division 133000000133
Limerick 134000000134
2014[87] 4000000040
Total 307000000307
Nuneaton Town 2014–15[87] Conference Premier 13120—00151
Ross County 2014–15[88] Scottish Premiership 195000000195
2015–16[89] 146001000156
Total 33110010003411
Career total 252491409112128751
  1. ↑ Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ↑ Appearances in Football League Trophy
  3. ↑ Appearances and goals in Football League Trophy
  4. ↑ Appearances in Football League Trophy
  5. ↑ Appearances in Football League Trophy
  6. ↑ Appearances in Football League Trophy
  7. ↑ Appearances in FA Trophy

Honours

References

  1. 1 2 "Tranmere look to young blood for squad strength". Liverpool Echo. 22 April 2006. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  2. ↑ "Prenton Park: Who signed, who stayed, who went". Liverpool Echo. 4 July 2006. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  3. ↑ "Hitman Curran forced to wait". Liverpool Echo. 14 November 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  4. ↑ "Bristol City 3 – 2 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. 13 January 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  5. ↑ "Match Report: Tranmere 2, Brighton 1 (Echo)". Liverpool Echo. 10 April 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  6. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers 3, Brentford 1". Liverpool Echo. 5 May 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  7. ↑ "Craig Curran’s pledge to Rovers". Liverpool Echo. 3 August 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  8. ↑ "Carlisle United 0 Tranmere Rovers 1". Liverpool Echo. 10 September 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  9. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers 2–1 Luton Town". BBC Sport. 14 September 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  10. ↑ "Chesterfield 1–2 Tranmere". BBC Sport. 10 November 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  11. ↑ "Craig Curran gives it a rest on fitness front". Liverpool Echo. 16 July 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  12. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers 1–0 Hartlepool Rovers". BBC Sport. 18 August 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  13. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers 4–1 Northampton Town". BBC Sport. 30 August 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  14. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers v Millwall: We're close to perfect blend, says Bas Savage". Liverpool Echo. 10 October 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  15. ↑ "Rovers are geared up to show their full potential". Liverpool Echo. 18 October 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  16. ↑ "Screen test is so tough for Rovers". Liverpool Echo. 11 November 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  17. ↑ "Curran’s return is wrecked by injury". Liverpool Echo. 20 January 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  18. ↑ "Curran on way back". Liverpool Echo. 14 March 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  19. ↑ "Cheltenham Town 1–0 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  20. ↑ "Scunthorpe United 1–1 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. 2 May 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  21. ↑ "Craig Curran confident of firing Tranmere Rovers into play-offs". Liverpool Echo. 3 April 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  22. ↑ "Craig Curran hoping change in fitness routine can help him stake claim in Tranmere’s first team". Liverpool Echo. 8 July 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  23. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers 4–0 Grimsby Town". BBC Sport. 11 August 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  24. ↑ "Huddersfield Town 3–3 Tranmere Rovers". BBC Sport. 1 December 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  25. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers 1–0 Brentford". BBC Sport. 5 December 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  26. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers 2–0 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 19 December 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  27. ↑ "Tranmere 3, Norwich 1: Rovers stun champions-elect". Liverpool Echo. 3 April 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  28. ↑ "Tranmere Rovers 3–1 Exeter City". BBC Sport. 17 April 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  29. ↑ "Gruelling regime is just what we need says Craig Curran". Liverpool Echo. 17 October 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  30. ↑ "Rovers to release six". Sky Sports. 11 May 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  31. ↑ "Carlisle capture Curran". Sky Sports. 17 June 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  32. ↑ "Curran is deal of the season". Liverpool Echo. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  33. ↑ "Cumbrians sting Bees". Sky Sports. 7 August 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  34. ↑ "Sheffield Wednesday 0–1 Carlisle United". BBC Sport. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  35. ↑ "Addicks star stuns Cumbrians". BBC Sport. 23 October 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  36. ↑ "Carlisle United 4–0 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 15 January 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  37. ↑ "Oldham Athletic 0–1 Carlisle United". BBC Sport. 15 February 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  38. ↑ "Carlisle United 2–2 Exeter City". BBC Sport. 22 February 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  39. ↑ "Charlton Athletic 1–3 Carlisle United". BBC Sport. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  40. ↑ "Carlisle United 4–1 Colchester United". BBC Sport. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  41. ↑ "Hard-working Curran hailed". Sky Sports. 18 April 2011. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  42. ↑ "We need to turn tight games into victories says Tranmere Rovers boss Les Parry". Liverpool Echo. 14 February 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  43. ↑ "Carlisle's Craig Curran joins Morecambe on loan". BBC Sport. 22 March 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  44. ↑ "Collins keeps Shrews pushing on". Sky Sports. 24 March 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  45. ↑ "Morecambe reserves 1 Manchester City EDS 6: Carlos Tevez on target". Manchester Evening News. 29 March 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  46. ↑ "Oxford United 1–2 Morecambe". BBC Sport. 29 March 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  47. ↑ "Cumbrians make double cut". BBC Sport. 8 May 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  48. ↑ "Coleman adds two more". Rochdale A.F.C. 10 August 2012. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  49. ↑ "Niall Thompson has debut to remember for rampant Torquay United". Western Morning News. 27 August 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  50. ↑ "Accrington Stanley 2 – 3 Rochdale". BBC Sport. 6 October 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  51. ↑ "Chester FC sign ex-Tranmere Rovers striker Craig Curran on loan". Chester Today. 9 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  52. ↑ "Craig Curran staying at Chester". Liverpool Echo. 22 December 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  53. ↑ "Craig Curran hits second-half hat-trick as Chester FC defeat Bishop’s Stortford 4–1". Liverpool Echo. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  54. ↑ "Four More Depart". Rochdale A.F.C. 10 May 2013. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  55. ↑ "Curran links up with Limerick". Sky Sports. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  56. ↑ "Limerick FC 0 – 0 Cork City". Extra Time. 10 March 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  57. ↑ "In Brief: Sligo fightback secures points". Irish Independent. 24 March 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  58. ↑ "Curran strike condemns wasteful Hoops to yet another draw". Irish Independent. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  59. ↑ "Taylor hails his never-say-die Blues as Curran grabs winner". Irish Independent. 1 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  60. ↑ "Craig Curran agrees Blues deal". Extra Time. 1 July 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  61. ↑ "Bohemians 0 – 1 Limerick FC". Extra Time. 6 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  62. ↑ "O'Connor salvages late draw for Bray". Irish Independent. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  63. ↑ "Curran and Kelly inspire Limerick". Irish Independent. 3 August 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  64. ↑ "Kelly red card compounds Limerick woes". Irish Independent. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  65. ↑ "Limerick release statement on Craig Curran". Extra Time. 14 May 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  66. ↑ "Striker Craig Curran makes Limerick exit after". RTE Sport. 15 May 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  67. ↑ "Curran pays tribute to Limerick manager and fans". Limerick Post. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  68. ↑ "Curran seeking to raise the bar". Limerick Post. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  69. ↑ "Reid delighted with selection dilemmas". Nuneaton News. 31 August 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  70. ↑ "Nuneaton Town 1 – 2 Dartford". BBC Sport. 27 September 2014. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  71. ↑ "Curran departs with ringing endorcement". Football Conference. 24 November 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  72. ↑ Lindsay, Clive (2 January 2015). "Ross County: Striker Craig Curran wins six-month contract". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  73. ↑ Spence, Jim (4 January 2015). "Dundee 1–1 Ross County". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  74. ↑ "Partick Thistle 1–3 Ross County". BBC Sport. 21 February 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  75. ↑ "Ross County 1–0 Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  76. ↑ "Hamilton Academical 2–2 Ross County". BBC Sport. 14 March 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  77. ↑ "Ross County 2–1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 21 March 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
  78. ↑ "Ross County deal in Liam Boyce, Craig Curran and Kyle MacLeod". Sky Sports. 30 April 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  79. ↑ "Games played by Craig Curran in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  80. ↑ "Games played by Craig Curran in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  81. ↑ "Games played by Craig Curran in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  82. ↑ "Games played by Craig Curran in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  83. ↑ "Games played by Craig Curran in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  84. 1 2 "Games played by Craig Curran in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  85. ↑ "Games played by Craig Curran in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  86. ↑ "Statistics 2011/12". Unofficial Chester FC website. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  87. 1 2 3 "Craig Curran Soccerway Profile". Soccerway. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
  88. ↑ "Games played by Craig Curran in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  89. ↑ "Games played by Craig Curran in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 November 2015.

External links

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