Curzon goalkeeper tells his military story

Following Remembrance Day, we spoke to Curzon Ashton goalkeeper – and former soldier –Josh Ollerenshaw, about what the day means to him.

 “For me it’s just about showing respect to people that have decided to serve the country, and pay the ultimate sacrifice,” the 35-year-old told the Reporter 

“It’s important to remember the sacrifices that people have made. They’ve gone to places they know they’re not going to come back from. 

“It’s for every soldier and every front-line serviceman that has lost their life in the line of duty.” 

Ollerenshaw joined the British Army just over 10 years ago, while playing for Welsh side Colwyn Bay, before deciding to give up football for good to focus on his military career. 

“I was playing semi-professionally, after leaving the professional game a couple years prior. 

“I was coaching at Oldham and playing at Colwyn Bay, but my football wasn’t really going in the direction I wanted or expected it to, and the time came when it was a decision to try something new and step away from football. 

“I decided I needed to put the ball away, hang my gloves up and focus on being a soldier. 

“It was a hard decision, it felt quite alien, especially on a Saturday when I’d normally be on my way to football, instead I was sat twiddling my thumbs wondering what to with my time.” 

The goalkeeper spent seven years in the Armed Forces, joining aged 25 as an infantry soldier, meaning he was a front-line soldier trained to fight the enemy. 

Shortly after joining, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, meaning he was second in charge of a section of men during conflict situations. 

As his military career progressed, Ollerenshaw’s unit changed, becoming what is now known as the 3rd Battalion, The Ranger Regiment, which is part of the force’s new Special Operations Brigade. 

He was involved in multiple deployments over his seven years of service, which involved travelling all around the globe. 

“I was lucky enough to go to lots of different countries across Africa, the Middle East, Central America, and around Europe,” the former England C team player told the Reporter. 

“We did multiple deployments, and I spent just short of 1000 days away over my seven years of service. 

“It was a different lifestyle, but it was a good one – I enjoyed it.” 

The former Oldham Athletic youth team player continued to play football in the Army, representing the Infantry team, Army team and Tri Service Team, and after retiring from the forces at age 32, he was able to once again focus on his semi-professional career. 

Following a spell in the 2011/12 season, the former Ashton United and Stalybridge man returned to Curzon Ashton in 2022 and is now in his sixth season with the club.  

“I really enjoyed my first spell here. “Kieran [Bentley – Curzon goalkeeper coach] asked me to come back here when he came across, and it was a no brainer. 

“It’s always been a good club to be around, it’s a close-knit club, and I’ve loved playing here.” 

Having been the club’s number one goalkeeper during his first stint at the Tameside Stadium, the 6’4in stopper has mainly taken on a secondary role throughout his later years. 

“I understand my position here and luckily, the directors, the board, and the management team do too. 

“They’re very supportive and understanding, due to my work commitments I can’t always be here every game and every training session, so I’m very thankful for that.” 

Despite his lack of first team football over recent years, Ollerenshaw – who has spent the last three years working as a response officer in the Police – has fond memories of one particular campaign. 

The 2023/24 season saw the shot stopper make 12 appearances for The Nash in what was at the time, the best season in the club’s history. 

He played a vital part in the side reaching the National League North play-offs for the first time ever, keeping seven clean sheets throughout the campaign and saving a penalty in the eliminator shootout loss at Chorley. 

“As a backup keeper you’ve always got to have a bit of luck on your side, and unfortunately that luck will usually be to someone’s disadvantage. 

“Cam [Mason] got injured at the time, and luckily, I managed to step up and keep my shirt. “We had a good run, I think we kept something like seven clean sheets from the last nine, but that wasn’t just down to me, we had a solid team in front of me which made my life a lot easier. “It was nice to be part of that, especially with me having to come in late, and knowing I could keep up with the rest of the team, it was a good season.”  

And the 35-year-old has no plans to hang up his gloves any time soon. 

“Hopefully I have many more years here ahead. As a good friend said to me… Until the wheels fall off!”