Beverley born, Driffield lad, Woodhouse began his footballing career at Sheffield United under former Trinity boss Neil Warnock before spells at Birmingham City and Hull City. Moving to Grimsby Town, the then 26 year old took a dramatic step change and embarked on a boxing career that would see him climb from 189th in the British rankings to number one; an eight year journey from nothing, to holding the British Light Welterweight title.

With Woodhouse admitting his shock at the recognition, he was quick to point out, there are still plenty more chapters to be written, "I’m truly humbled to receive my B.E.M from the Queen. The news hasn’t really sunk in yet, but all I can say is it’s fantastic news and a great honour for myself and all of my family."

Curtis hopes to attend a celebration at Buckingham Palace in the New Year should Covid not scupper those plans, taking his family, who have backed him throughout, on a rare journey to the capital. If he gets his way, and who are we to doubt it, there will be plenty more trips south for the ambitious B.E.M as he looks to climb the ladder to the managerial summit, leaving us with the words:

"Don't ever let people's words discourage you, don't ever let people put restrictions on what you can achieve, but most importantly, don't ever give up on yourself. Ever."

Article by Robert Hughes