Sturridge began his career as a trainee at Derby County, and worked his way through the ranks to make his first team debut on 11 January 1992 in a 1–0 defeat at Southend United.
He scored 7 goals during 25 appearances in total before being loaned to First Division Wolverhampton Wanderers in November 2001, just 10 months after his arrival at Filbert Street.
The following season saw him notch another 11 which again helped the team achieve a play-off finish, where they won promotion to the Premier League after a 3–0 final win over Sheffield United.
The striker didn't enjoy much of the team's top flight season as a combination of injuries and new arrivals sidelined him for all but 5 games, and he was loaned out to Sheffield United.
On 26 June 2006, Sturridge joined Kidderminster Harriers on a one-year deal along with former Tamworth goalkeeper Scott Bevan, possibly becoming the biggest name player the club have ever signed.
[6] Sturridge's time at Kidderminster didn't work out well, despite initially earning praise from his new manager Mark Yates over his positive attitude.
[8] In 1998, René Simões attempted to call up Sturridge for international duty with the Jamaica national team for the 1998 World Cup but the offer was rejected.