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MEMORIES: Fred Curtis, left, with lifelong friend and former teammate Jim Reader.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Tilbury FC goalkeeper who recently lost a battle against cancer.

Fred Curtis, 82, died on April 22. Curtis, started his football career at Tilbury in 1948 and could have gone on to a professional career but for a serious injury sustained just days before he was due to sign for Southampton.

Several professional clubs had watched the keeper before Saints manager Bill Dodgin saw Fred play and was immdiately impressed, telling the Dockers management "I'll sign him."

Sadly for Fred, he sustained a very serious injury while playing for Tilbury at Leavesden and was forced to retire just a week before he was due to sign his Southampton contract.

His lifelong friend and former Tilbury team mate, Jim Reader, 79, of Fairway, Grays, said: "He was one of the best goalkeepers I ever saw. He was brave and a credit to play with.

"He was a marvellous bloke with a wonderful temperament, I consider myself lucky to have played in the same team with him."

Fred had one child, Mark Curtis, who now lives in Germany.

His funeral is due to to be held today at West thurrock.

11:08am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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