Tom Cursons: In-form Ilkeston forward in no rush to snatch at professional dream
Throughout every season, various players from across the Northern Premier League ranks catch the eye of teams further up the non-league pyramid.
At the top of that list this season sits Tom Cursons.
The 23-year-old has been in lethal form since his arrival at the New Manor Ground midway through last season.
In the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, Cursons netted 12 times in 18 league games. So far this time around, he’s bagged a league-high 15 goals in just 17 league games.
Therefore, it has come as no surprise that Cursons has been the subject of interest from teams at Step 2 and above.
And while Cursons harbours ambitions of one day turning professional, the promising striker knows that it isn’t a case of moving as soon as the first offer comes in.
He told the NPL: “Ilkeston are aware that I want to play full-time football. I’m still in that age bracket where it can still happen, but I need to make sure it’s the right move at this stage of my career.
“I don’t want to go somewhere, sit on the bench for a year and stunt my progress. I know I can’t just jump as soon as I see a full-time contract in front of me.
“It’s quite weird really, as you dream of playing full-time, but when push comes to shove you always have to think whether it’s the right move at that time.”
Cursons has flourished under the guidance of the Robins coaching staff, led by boss Ian Deakin, who took charge in September 2023.
The young forward was full of praise for Deakin and the way he has supported his progression and given him valuable advice.
The forward knows he is surrounded by good people, both on and off the pitch, and is in no apparent rush to force a move while the club sits on the fringes of the Northern Premier League play-offs.
“Ilkeston’s an exciting place to be at the moment,” he added.
"We’re a close-knit group, and that counts for a lot for me. I’m playing for a good team who are winning games, and I’m enjoying my football.
“When you’re surrounded by good players and good people, why would you want to jump ship?”
There is still a real possibility of Cursons climbing the non-league pyramid with his current employers.
He is under contract until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and Ilkeston have already rebuffed several approaches from higher-level clubs this season.
The Robins have been in and out of the top five this season, and while Cursons does have aspirations to play further up the divisions, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of doing so with the club he’s already at.
“It’s not out of the question that if we stick it out this year and get promoted, we’ll be in the National League North anyway,” Curson admitted.
“I know that there’s more in the locker too, both as a team and for me personally, which is quite exciting given we’re still amongst it near the play-offs.
“Right now, I’m backing myself that the offers will still come, and where there’s a chance that we may go up, it’s a case of taking each game as it comes and seeing where we are come May.”
