MBE for Alan Curtis
The Swans legend has been awarded for his services to Welsh football
Swansea City legend Alan Curtis has been given an MBE as part of this year’s New Years Honours for his services to Welsh football.
The 66 year-old has had a glittering football career that's spanned over 45 years and is known as a legend for his contribution to Swansea City FC.
Curtis said he was delighted:
“With my time with the Swans coming up to 40 years, I’m very grateful for everything they’ve given me.
“First of all as a player and then for every other role that I’ve been fortunate enough to have filled.
“And obviously I’m delighted as well for my family.”
He regularly played for Wales FC, including at Youth Level winning 35 caps, and scored 6 goals for the senior national team.
His skill and love for football saw him go on to score 95 goals in 359 league appearances over the three spells playing for Swansea City.
He also enjoyed success at Leeds United, Southampton, and Cardiff City.
After retiring from playing in 1990, he continued his love for the game by holding a number of positions in Swansea City FC, including Youth team manager and assistant first-team manager.
In 2007, he became first-team Coach for Swansea, and with his expertise, helped lead the team to the Premier League in 2011, which not only put the city on the map, but brought huge economic and social benefits to the area.
He rescued the club again in 2015 when he stepped up as interim manager to help stabilise the club after a turbulent campaign, following the departure of Swansea's manager and pave the way for a new coach to arrive.
He is currently Honorary President of Swansea Football Club. In 2016, he was given a Lord's Mayors Honour of Swansea in recognition for his dedication and services to the sport and his community.
Curtis said that the Swans’ performance during 2020 – despite the challenges to sport posed by the pandemic- had been uplifting:
“The form of the team is excellent. Steve Cooper is doing a terrific job and I think its given everyone a little bit of a lift despite the fact they can’t be present at games.”