Former Colchester United striker Jamie Cureton has signed for Essex club Holland FC, the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North side confirmed this week. The 51-year-old forward was immediately added to the squad for their game against AFC Pegasus on the evening of August 25, as reported by the Colchester Gazette.
Cureton is a club legend for Colchester United, having scored 31 goals in over 50 appearances during a prolific spell. His most famous achievement with the U's was winning the Championship Golden Boot in the 2006/07 season, a campaign that cemented his status as a fan favourite before he left to re-join Norwich City.
What are Jamie Cureton's career milestones?
Jamie Cureton's career is defined by remarkable longevity and goal-scoring records. He made his Premier League debut with Norwich City back in 1994. In the 2025/26 season, while serving as player-manager for Kings Park Rangers in Great Cornard, he scored his 400th career goal. That same season, he became the first player ever to score in each of English football's top ten tiers. He now needs just seven more appearances to reach 1,100 career games.
His recent exploits aren't limited to club football. Earlier this summer, Cureton helped England Veterans win the Seniors World Cup in Thailand. He started four of the five games, including the final where he scored in a 4-0 victory over France. He played alongside fellow former Colchester United players Karl Duguid and Greg Halfard in that successful squad.
Where does Cureton fit into Colchester's history?
Cureton's legacy at Colchester United remains significant. His 31 goals for the club are part of a storied career that also included spells at Exeter City, Leyton Orient, and Cheltenham Town. His Golden Boot-winning season in the Championship is a high point in the club's modern history. While the current Colchester United squad finished 12th in League Two last season with 66 points, the legacy of prolific scorers like Cureton is always remembered. The team's top scorer last term was J. Payne with 13 goals, a tally fans will hope is built upon in the new campaign. You can review the full squad and last season's statistics on our squad and stats pages.
What's next for the veteran striker?
Jamie Cureton's immediate focus is on contributing to Holland FC. The club expressed its delight on social media, saying: "Holland FC are delighted to confirm the signing of record breaking legendary striker @JamieCuro!" His signing provides a major boost for the non-league side as they compete in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North.
Beyond the pitch, Cureton is set to release a new book in September. Titled 'Last of the Goalhangers: The Man Who Completed English Football' and co-written with Sid Lambert, it is scheduled for release on September 17, 2026. The book will chronicle his unique journey through every level of the English game. For Colchester United, the focus is on the future after a 2025 season where they scored 62 goals and conceded 49, finishing 21 points behind leaders Bromley. Fans can track the club's progress in the new season via our standings page.
