Davie Curlett

Davie signed for Kilmarnock, shortly before his 17^th birthday, in September 1949, having  previously played for Ardeer Recreation, Dalry Thistle & Dalry Rossvale Juniors.

His football career was interrupted by national service in the R.A.F.  This meant he didn’t make his debut until 1953, but soon became a regular member of the team.

A swap deal, which involved Jim Chalmers going to Kilmarnock, saw Davie arrive at Dens Park on the 8^th March 1958, going straight into the starting line-up for the match against Partick Thistle, which they lost 2-0. He started the following three matches, but was sidelined for the game against Falkirk due to having all his top teeth extracted. His name was included for the friendly against an Army XI at Dens Park the following week and he played the final three games of the season.

Season 1958-59 saw him make 21 league appearances, scoring seven goals, but the Scottish Cup match against Fraserburgh on January 31^st must have haunted him, and his teammates, for a long time. A strong Dundee side were expected to win this first round tie. But a gas board clerk put the Highland side ahead in the first half. Although Curlett, Bonthrone and Sneddon all had good chances in the second half, they failed to score. Fraserburgh became the first Highland League to put out a “top tier side.”

Davie had been part-time at Dens, but an opportunity arose in 1959 to go full-time, filling in for Doug Cowie who was injured. Dundee offered him the chance to travel to Dundee from his home in Stevenston, Ayrshire every Monday, going home on a Thursday night. However, he felt he was better off, and played better, when part-time and had a job outside of football.

By 1960 Davie realised that his days were numbered at Dens Park, Doug Cowie had regained his place after injury, and Bobby Seith was in great form. He still managed eighteen appearances in the League, and scored five goals in season 1959-60

A move back to the west coast was the favoured choice, and Bob Shankly was in agreement. Queen of the South agreed terms, only for Davie to have a change of heart at the last moment. Instead he joined Ayr United, who were involved in a relegation struggle, in December. He was freed by the club in May 1963, with East Fife and Arbroath both offering him terms.

Davie ended his career at Portadown. Manager Gibby Mackenzie, who played for Dundee in the 1940’s, signed him to the Ulster club.

Once his playing days were over he became a coach with Ardeer Recreation, and managed junior side Irvine Meadow.

He died in Ayr, at the age of 91, on the 23^rd October 2023.