Stags boss Murray surprised to land Hurst

Hurst, 30, 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.

But he is now a Mansfield Town player and Murray said “I’m not really sure how I pulled that one off.

“First and foremost we are actually over the moon with the signing.

“It was a big pull to me that Hursty wanted to come and join what we are doing here. He’s been at a very successful club for a few years, which he’d been one of the major parts of.

“When they got promoted he was the highest in assists in the league and chipped in with a lot of goals. Already we have seen the quality he’s got – and what a great bloke.

“He’s a proper man. He’s another big character. He is a leader with great communication within the group.

“So how we’ve got him I’m not quite sure. But it’s certainly a coup and I’m sure if he does what he is capable of, I think at this level he is probably one of the best around in that position. Kevin will play a big part this season.”