Hurst was believed to be ready to make his return to Meadow Lane this Saturday – just weeks after having left the club. However, news today suggests that a written agreement between the player and Notts County dictates that the player would not be able to face his former employer this season, regardless of which club he signed for post-Magpies.
Hurst, 30, left the Magpies in a shock move that saw the player’s contract terminated by mutual consent. Days later, the striker signed for Shrewsbury – who the Magpies will face this weekend at the ‘Lane.
Since leaving the ‘Lane, Hurst has netted a single goal in four appearances for his new club, helping the Shrews break into the top-half of the League Two table following an impressive run of form.
And despite being all-set to miss out in his would-be return to the ‘Lane this weekend, the much-travelled hitman insists that he will honour the agreement signed prior to leaving the ‘Lane.
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"Yes, it would have been nice to have played, but life goes on. I’ll still be there to watch the game, spurring the lads on, and hopefully we can get a victory."
In his place, manager Gary Peters could re-introduce Magpies legend Mark Stallard to the Meadow Lane crowd, as he looks to force his way back into the first-team spotlight at Gay Meadow. A point which Hurst has been quick to point-out.
"I would love to play but it gives somebody else an opportunity out of the squad to put themselves forward and make a name for themselves,"
The departure of this season's top-scorer seemed to have opened the flood-gates for a flurry of departures, with Tony Scully, Matty Gill and, only yesterday, Adam Tann all heading through those ever-revolving Meadow Lane exit doors.
On the incoming, however, manager Gudjon Thordarson has had little luck, having only made two additions to his side, with former loanee Mark DeBolla signing non-contract forms with the club and midfielder Lee Crooks signing on loan.