James Hurst (footballer)

James Hurst (born 31 January 1992) is an English footballer who plays for Dover Athletic as a defender.

His professional career saw him play club football in the Premier League for West Bromwich Albion, in the Football League for Blackpool, Shrewsbury Town, Chesterfield, Birmingham City, Crawley Town and Northampton Town, and in the Icelandic Úrvalsdeild for ÍBV and Valur. Internationally, he represented England at levels from under-16 to under-20.

Hurst was born in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. He came through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion, but declined to sign a professional deal and opted to sign for the FA Cup winners Portsmouth, who beat Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa to his signature. He never made a first team appearance at Fratton Park, but did have a loan spell at Icelandic side ÍBV during the summer of 2010, scoring one goal.

Hurst re-signed for WBA on a two-year deal in September 2010 after Portsmouth's relegation from the Premier League. He made his debut for Albion on 1 December 2010 in the Football League Cup quarter-final clash with Ipswich Town which ended in a 1–0 defeat at Portman Road.

On 31 August 2011, Hurst was sent out on loan to Blackpool for the entire season, on condition that he could be recalled back at any time. He made his debut as a substitute in the 1–1 draw with Cardiff City on 17 September. On 21 October he was recalled to his parent club.

On 18 November 2011 he joined League Two side Shrewsbury Town on a six-week loan.

Shrewsbury Town were seeking to extend his loan, but on 11 January 2012, Hurst instead joined League One team Chesterfield on loan until the end of the season.

Hurst signed for Championship club Birmingham City on 1 October 2012 on a one-month youth loan, and made his debut for the club the following day, as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 defeat at Cardiff City. Minor fitness problems resulted in Paul Robinson being preferred, and Hurst made three appearances before returning to Albion.

Hurst signed for Icelandic side Valur in May 2013. After less than two months at Valur, he joined English side Crawley Town on a one-year contract.

On 17 January 2014, James signed for Northampton Town on a month's loan.

On 27 February 2014, Hurst had his contract at Crawley Town cancelled by mutual consent, he rejoined Valur for another spell on 11 March 2014.

On 2 July 2014, it was announced that Hurst had joined Hednesford Town of the Conference North. He then went on to join Torquay United the following season, but was suspended by the club from all football activities pending an investigation over an alleged incident on a night out in November 2015. He then moved on loan to divisional rivals Guiseley.

Hurst signed for AFC Telford United in May 2016, reuniting with former Hednesford manager Rob Smith. After being sent off in a match against Salford City in October, he was involved in an argument with supporters on social media, leading to him being suspended, and a club investigation into his behaviour. He was subsequently transfer-listed by the club and fined two weeks wages.

Dover Athletic

Hurst signed for Dover Athletic on 4 January 2017. Hurst made his debut for the club in their 2-2 draw with York City coming off the bench at half time to replace Sammy Moore.