Striker Cureton named Kings Park Rangers manager

Non-league Kings Park Rangers have appointed former Premier League player Jamie Cureton as their new manager following owner John Pollard's decision to step down.

The 50-year-old former Norwich City, Bristol Rovers, Reading and QPR striker joined the Suffolk side as a player in October, having been sacked as Cambridge City boss the previous month.

He scored his first goal for the Great Cornard-based club later that month, meaning he has found the net in the top 10 tiers of English football.

In a post on X, external, Kings Park said: "Jamie remains passionate about the game and is ready to lead us to success. Welcome, gaffer."

The club, founded in 2023, are second in Eastern Counties League Division One North, three points behind Holland FC, with a game in hand.

Cureton's first match in charge will be away to Wivenhoe Town - who are next to bottom - on 3 January.

Pollard led Kings Park to 51 wins in 66 games, including back-to-back promotions.

A statement on X said: "John transformed our club and leaves us in an incredibly strong position. His dedication, passion, and tactical brilliance brought success we'll never forget.

"'Polly' will now step back from the touchline to focus on developing King Park Rangers in his role as club owner, ensuring our continued growth both on and off the pitch."

Cureton's playing career began at Norwich City in the 1990s and has encompassed more than 1,000 games.

As well as Cambridge City, he also has managerial experience with Bishop's Stortford and Enfield and coached at Arsenal's academy in 2017-18.

Asked about future targets after scoring against Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers in a 4-1 win in October, he said: "I'm still about, I think, four or five goals away from 400, so that's one I'd like to chase."