Mansfield Town snap up ex-Chesterfield and Southend United man Kevan Hurst

New Stags signing Kevan Hurst, pictured playing for Southend United, robs Chesterfield's Sam Hird of the ball

Stags boss Adam Murray has strengthened his midfield options with the capture of the former Sheffield United trainee, who boasts more than 350 professional appearances.

Hurst has a wealth of experience in the Football League and includes Chesterfield, Scunthorpe United and most recently Southend United among his previous clubs.

He was a consistent presence in Southend’s engine room during a fruitful four years at Roots hall, which included gaining promotion in from League Two in 2015.

The 30-year-old said: “I’m thrilled to be here. The gaffer (Adam Murray) and his staff have a real focus on the task in hand ahead of the new league season.”

Hurst has been involved in the first two days of pre-season training this week at Brooksby Melton College in Leicestershire.

“It’s been very tough physically,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to getting my fitness levels to where they need to be so I can be ready to provide for the team.”

Hurst’s contract will begin on July 1, 2016 subject to Football League approval.