Curbishley played midfield most notably for West Ham United, Birmingham City ad Charlton Athletic. In August 1974, Curbishley, sixteen-years-old at the time, was named as a substitute against Everton, making him the youngest ever West Ham player to be named on the team sheet. Curbishley’s arrival was so impressive that he was given the nickname “Whizz” by teammate Pat Holland. After Curbishley joined Charlton Athletic, he helped them win promotion to Division 1 in 1985-86. Curbishley has subsequently managed West Ham and Charlton in the Premier League.