 Despite being retained by Gregg, Curtis had to work as a builder's apprentice during the summer of 1973 to supplement his low income.Despite the arrival of John Charles as a coach and Herbie Way's promotion to player-coach, Gregg continued the physical style of football favoured by Bentley that did not suit Curtis well.Regardless of being ill-suited to this approach Curtis established himself as a first-team regular and made 40 appearances in the 1973–74 season.