Interview #27- Curtis Thompson

Curtis Thompson is an english professional soccer player currently playing for the Wycombe Wanderers of EFL League 1. As a kid, Thompson played for the Leicester City academy, as well as Notts County's academy. He went on to sign his first professional contract at Notts County. In his time Notts, Thompson was loaned out to Lincoln City, Ilkeston, and Wycombe. Curtis then transferred to Wycombe where he helped them gain promotion into EFL League 1, and he is now a key part of the Wycombe squad that currently stands first in the league table.

The Curtis Thompson Interview

1. Growing up, you played for the Leicester City and Notts County youth academies, what was it like to be in a professional environment at such a young age?
I had such a fun time at Leicester as a youngster, I was shocked by all the great facilities and realized I was now playing football at a professional club with better players, so I started to take my football a little more serious.

2. You worked through the ranks at Notts County and you signed your first professional contract there. How were you feeling after signing?
I was extremely relieved and excited as I had finally achieved my boyhood dreams. I couldn’t wait to get started as a professional footballer.

3. In your first year as a pro, you were loaned out to Lincoln City. Describe your experience in Lincoln.
I wasn’t very confident going on loan to a new team, getting to know and play with new players didn’t excite me, but I decided to go and just try to do my very best.

4. After Lincoln, you were loaned to Ilkeston for a month. What was your time for Ilkeston like for the one month you were there?
I was much more comfortable going to Ilkeston with my second loan it was very local to where I lived, I knew I had to play some men’s football and gain more experience. I really enjoyed getting some games under my belt.

5. What’s your biggest tip for youngsters working to become pro?
To give ur best in every training session/ match as you can, and to never get too high when you're doing well or too low when things aren’t going as good as you would like. More importantly, Always believe in yourself. Try to take information on board but also remember that Football is full of different opinions.

6. After Ilkeston you stayed at Notts County for years, making 83 appearances with the club. What’s your favorite memory from your time at Notts?
I’ve had so many good memories at Notts County through the years I was there, But 
Playing a big part in the great escape, under Shaun Derry in 2014 surviving relegation from League 1, was a massive achievement and I felt so proud of us all.

7. In 2018, you were loaned into Wycombe, how did you adjust to playing with a new team yet again?
It was more of a relief managing to go to Wycombe on loan as I wasn’t playing at notts county that season, I knew I had to get out and get some games and the fact that I managed to go to such a good team and stay in the same league was just the perfect loan move I needed. 

8. In your first season at Wycombe, you and the team won promotion the EFL League 1. Describe the scenes after getting promoted.
The actual day that we got promoted was incredible scenes we knew we had to get at least 1 point out the game and when the final whistle went we all just went crazy. That was my 1st promotion, I knew I didn’t play a big part in the season but I was delighted for the team, as they are all great people and they made me feel so welcome. 

9. Your successful loan spell at Wycombe saw the club sign you. What were you thinking after this move? 
I was delighted to officially become a Wycombe player and I was just thinking I need to work really hard and prove to myself and the manager that I deserve to be apart of the squad/team. 

10. In the 18/19 season, you won the Players Player of the Season. What was it like to be honored with an award like that? 
I was so honored and grateful for all the support because we had so many quality players that could easily have won that award.

11. Who’s the best player you’ve ever played against?
The best player I have come up against would be Steven Gerrard. We played against Liverpool in a cup game when I was at Notts County, I was so excited.

12. Coolest stadium you’ve ever played in?
 Juventus stadium in a preseason friendly.

13. What the biggest misconception about being a professional?
 It’s not as easy as it seems people do not see all the hard work and dedication u have to make to be a footballer they only see the image and material things. There’s much more to being a professional footballer. There’s ups and downs, setbacks, failure, injuries etc.

14. In three words, describe yourself. 
Blessed. 
Family man. 
Determined. 

15. What are your goals for your post playing career?
My goal is to be able to set my family up financially. And look back knowing I did my very best every game I played. 

16. What’s the craziest story from your career so far?
From not playing at Notts county for a full half of a season to ending that same season with a promotions medal at Wycombe wanderers FC.

17. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To continue no matter how hard things get never give up because things can change in football so quickly and you have to be mentally ready to take your opportunities when they come. 

18. What separates a professional from an amateur?
Mindset and consistency. 

19. Any last words for the readers?
Follow your dreams there will be ups and downs in every aspect of life. It’s how quick we choose to pick ourselves up after we are knocked down. That shows what type of person you are willing to be.

Chris Dailey

Founder, The Sports Court

Thanks Curtis for the amazing interview! Keep working hard and doing your thing out on the pitch!

photo via https://twitter.com/wwfcofficial