Profile: Curtis Main | Bengaluru FC's 'Main Man' up front

Curtis Main is a reputed figure in Scottish and English football.

After the exit of Roy Krishna, Bengaluru FC have signed English striker Curtis Main on a one-year deal, holding an option to extend for another year. Known for his positional awareness and natural goal-scoring skills, Main is set to leave a mark on the top-tier competition of the country - the Indian Super League.

The former St. Mirren striker turned down a new deal to stay in Paisley before moving to Indian Super League. Main’s move to Bengaluru FC has enthralled the fans with excitement. His addition will not only benefit the attacking style of play of the club but will also elevate their performance to new heights. 

Here is a look at the profile of the new Bengaluru FC striker, who is set to leave a mark on the upcoming season.

Prior Experience

Main’s football journey began in his childhood while playing with his friends in the streets, which resulted in a dream to be a professional at the very field. Born on February 2, 1992, South Shields, England, Curtis Main joined the Youth Academy of Darlington FC at a very young age. He also went on to become the youngest player to represent Darlington when he was featured in a League Two encounter against Peterbrough at the age of 15 years and 318 days. 

His exceptional talent and dedication towards the game helped him grab a contract with Darlington at the age of 17. Over there, his continuous prowess and goal-scoring ability grabbed the attention of other clubs, which resulted in his transfer to Middlesbrough in 2011, where he spent three years before joining Doncaster Rovers in League One in 2014. 

His stint in Middlesbrough, where he faced tough competition, proved to be a significant turning point in his career. Goals at crucial moments and valuable contribution to the team helped him leave a mark amongst the top names of the club. 

His spell in Doncaster was followed by Oldham Athletic and Portsmouth in the lower divisions. But it was Motherwell in Scottish Premiership, where he established himself as a key figure with his regular clinical finishes.

Backing a successful tenure at Motherwell, he joined Aberdeen for two years. Then after a season in League one with Shrewsbury Town, he again returned to Scotland in 2021, this time with St. Mirren.

Type of Player

The 31-year-old, is known for his both-feet finishing skill. Whether the ball drops in his right or left feet, he doesn’t hesitate to aim at the net. He is basically known for his physicality and intelligence on the field. His aerial prowess and ability to win duels make him a constant threat amongst the opposition. 

He might not be the best at scoring goals, but holding up the ball and capitalizing on goal-scoring chances, makes him an important asset for the team. His resilience, work ethic and ability to adapt to different playing styles, has been a notable strength throughout his career. 

He is dynamic in nature as he can play as a lone striker, lead the line in a two-striker system and play a wider attacking role as well. This helps the managers to fit him into various formations. 

With the above qualities, his experience and game reading skill are positive points which are being talked about these days.

What will he bring to the team?

After the exit of Roy Krishna, one of the leading clubs of Indian Super League, Bengaluru FC needed a good replacement. Addition of Curtis Main has not just strengthened the side's forward line, but has also left an excitement amongst the fans. 

Main’s ability to create and convert scoring opportunities makes him a perfect fit for Bengaluru’s attacking style of play. His versatility will allow him to excel both as a centre-forward and a second striker. 

With the presence of the star Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri and forward Sivasakthi Narayanan, Main is going to be a huge bonus for the team. His professional experience will surely help the young Indian players in the side to learn and adapt new skills. This squad depth will ensure more options and flexibility during matches and help the team manage fatigue and injuries effectively.