HAVING built a fine career on the pitch, former Southend United winger Kevan Hurst is now looking to do the same off it.

Hurst lined up for the Shrimpers as well as this weekend’s opponents Mansfield Town as a player.

But he far preferred his four year spell with Blues.

“I really enjoyed it at Southend, said Hurst.

“It was probably one of my favourite times in my career, especially early on.

“It was a quality set of lads with a really good team spirit and I made friends I’ll keep for life.”

Hurst joined the Shrimpers in the summer of 2012 and made a huge impression in his first two seasons at Roots Hall, scoring 18 goals and claiming almost 40 assists.

“The first and the second seasons was great,” said Hurst.

“I had 19 assists in my first season, 12 goals in the second and I felt happy which is the main part of being a footballer really.

“If you’re happy and content you will play good football.

“Of course there were ups and downs but you have them at every club.

“To be a part of the promotion season was really good too, even though I didn’t play as much as I wanted to as I was more of a squad player then but I enjoyed my time there.”

In total, Hurst netted 19 goals in 151 games for Blues and had both Paul Sturrock and Phil Brown as managers while at Roots Hall.

“Phil came in and he made the club a lot more professional,” said the 35-year-old.

“Paul was great and the situation sometimes was against him.

“Phil came in and made the professional changes that were required.

“We seemed to do well under Phil and I can’t grumble too much even though I didn’t play as much.

“Sometimes things don’t go your way in your career and players come in and take their chance.

“That’s what happened to me but you have to get on with it and be the best part of the team you can be.”

Hurst left the Shrimpers at the end of the 2015/16 season before signing for Mansfield.

But things did not work out at the Stags.

“It wasn’t great,” said Hurst.

“I was coming to an age when I was starting to think about things other than football.

“My head wasn’t really fully in it at that point if I’m honest and it was difficult.

“Adam Murray signed me and I started off reasonably well but we weren’t doing well as a club.

“Our form wasn’t great and it was a difficult time.

“I was trying to do as well as I could but it just didn’t go right for me.

“Steve Evans came in as manager shortly after and was honest with me.

“He said he wanted pace on the wings and that was certainly something I was lacking by then!

“I went on loan to Guisely and focused on other things away from football too.”

However Guiseley proved to be Hurst’s final club “The last couple of years of my career weren’t enjoyable,” said Hurst.

It happens and the lower leagues are difficult at times.

“I enjoyed my career but the only time I play football now is five-a-side on a Monday night, before lockdown at least!”

But Hurst’s main focus now lies elsewhere.

“I’m a building surveyor now,” said Hurst.

“I was always interested in property and that’s the route I’ve gone down now.

“I’ve been qualified two years now and I’m enjoying it.

“It’s different because I’m on my own most of the time rather than being in a room with 25 lads.

“It’s been a big change but I’m enjoying it and it’s a good career path.

“I’m looking to move up the ladder, just like you do as a footballer when you’re 16 years old.”

And Hurst still continues to follow the fortunes of his former teams.

“I keep an eye out for Southend,” said Hurst, “I look for them Sheffield United and Scunthorpe because they were my favourite places I played.

“I have a lot of time for those three, especially Southend.

“Their results have picked up after a tough start and hopefully that can carry on.”