Blues new boy Hurst wants quick return to League One (From Echo)

Southend United new boy Kevan Hurst wants quick return to League One

9:20am Friday 22nd June 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips

KEVAN Hurst is targeting an immediate return to League One with Southend United.

The 26-year-old winger, who has now completed a free transfer switch to Blues, has spent the majority of his career playing in the third tier of the English game.

And he is now keen to get back there with Paul Sturrock’s side.

“I’ve played most of my career in League One and now I want to get back there with Southend,” said Hurst, who has signed a two-year deal with Blues.

“I don’t want to be playing in League Two for long and I’m sure this team will be going for promotion next season after going so close last year.

“That’s why I’ve joined and the manager was very positive when I spoke to him. He seemed very ambitious and honest and that’s what made my mind up to come here.”

Hurst could actually have come to Roots Hall before the start of last season after catching Sturrock’s eye while on loan with Morecambe.

But with his wife heavily pregnant, Hurst opted to remain in his native north.

“It came close to happening before but it wasn’t the right time,” said Hurst.

“I didn’t want to move my wife away at that time but everything is fine now and I can’t wait to get started.”

Hurst, who made 37 appearances for Walsall last season, is now also relishing a switch to the south of the country for the first time in his career.

The Chesterfield-born winger has previously played for his home-town club along with Stockport, Scunthorpe and Carlisle. But he is now ready for a change.

“I’m getting on a bit now so I thought it was time to come and live in the south,” said Hurst.

“All I know about the area at the moment is the Only Way is Essex TV show but I didn’t let that put me off!

“My friends live in the area and rave about it, so I thought I’d come and see it for myself and I’m really pleased with this move.”

Hurst will be living with his former Saddlers team-mate and ex-West Ham goalkeeper Jimmy Walker until he finds his own place.

And he will then also be looking to stake a claim for a place in Blues’ starting line-up.

“My favourite role is wide left but I can also play on the right because I’m right-footed,” said Hurst, who already knows his new Southend team-mates Michael Timlin and David Martin.

“I can also play central midfield and that’s actually something I’d like to develop, but I don’t really mind where I play if I’m honest.”

Hurst’s arrival makes him Blues’ first summer signing and boss Sturrock is delighted to have brought him to the club.

“I’m very pleased to have finally signed Kevan,” said Sturrock.

“He’s a versatile player who had played a lot of football at a higher level and I’m sure he will do well for us.”

Sturrock now hopes to complete further transfers and revealed he was in talks with five other targets.

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