PhilGull wrote:Unbelievable! These young footballers just do not realise how privileged they are. Regardless of what happened what the hell did he think he was doing out drinking? He is a professional athlete, being paid to do something that millions of people around the world can only dream of. This just makes me so mad.
Just as a side note, this argument makes no sense. The fact that millions of people would like to do something is irrelevant. If you follow that logic through then there are millions of people ill in hospital, in prison, unemployed etc that would dream of your job, whatever that is. That should in no way mean that you have to follow a certain career path, stay in a job you dislike or never have a night out socialising. If James Hurst or any other player falls out of love with football, has addictions that harm their career or wants to live their life in a certain way then it's their life. Getting mad because someone else is a footballer and you're not is just pure jealously, nothing else. Being talented at football is not a privilege, it is a skill, and it's up to them to maximise it for their own benefit if they wish to.
The only relevant issues for the club or the fans are drinking the night before a game and getting arrested. Going out on a Saturday night is not a problem, and drinking (not to excess) is not harmful.
This comes on top of his appalling behaviour in the last home match he played in when he walked off and straight down the tunnel having spent most of the game strolling around and giving his opposite number the freedom of the park - he seems to have a massive attitude problem despite his prodigious skills.
I believe in anyone, including footballers, being given a second chance. However, Modgull is right - when substituted at the last home match, he took off his shirt and stormed straight down the tunnel. There were hints on here before his suspension that he would be leaving the club so maybe there have been other discipline issues - we don't know the full facts of course. It will be a blow if he does leave because he is our top scorer and has been one of our better players.
A difficult one this. When Hurst was upset to be substituted many thought at the time it shows he is passionate about playing and plenty of famous names have done that. In the past TUFC p layers have been done for indecent exposure (getting caught short in public) but it depends on the investigation, what crime is allegded and certainly whether he is innocent or guilty. When Wenger stood by Tony Adams after his car crash, alcoholic problem and a lot more besides he was applauded. Maybe Kev thinks he should be given a final warning, a suspension until the situation clarifies, and I would be happy with that.A 2 week fine is pointless as they earn relatively little.
He signed for us because many wouldnt touch him with a bargepole, apparently he is a bad influence in the dressing room the guy is a ticking timebomb, such a shame, wasted talent.
What Hurst needs now is an arm round the shoulder from Nico and support from us. Nico has seen it all before in this aspect he played with Zebs and he can use him as an example, Hurst is a clearly talented footballer who with some effort could move up a league but to do this he needs to knuckle down and cut the off field crap.
unfortunately none of us probably know the true ins and outs of what's happened, or what Hurst is like on a daily basis. What the correct course of action is depends on a number of factors, but mainly whether the guy has a problem the club believe can be fixed, or whether he's just a terminal knob head.
Also, as unsavoury as it might be, there can be little room for sentiment with the club in its current predicament. Someone with a bad attitude can be like a cancer within a team, and could stop any progress being made. If Hurst doesn't show the desire to change with any help offer3d,we are better getting rid.
Guess Nicholson was right, within a few years he'll either be in league 1 or stacking shelves in Tesco. Which one is up to him!
I am concerned that we are expecting a lot of Nico in regard to employee management. Whilst he is a sensible level headed guy who has maximised his own talents to the full and used his initiative to become a bit of a health and fitness guru he is only 35 and short of life experience. I wonder what support the Club are giving him to improve his skills off the pitch. Poor old Martin Ling was left to fend for himself, living out of a suitcase 200 miles from home and his driving ban must have added to the pressure on him. We really shouldn't be surprised that he became depressed.
As an employer the club needs to show a duty of care to young pro"s who have relocated to Torbay away from their families and friends and this shouldn't just fall on the shoulders of the manager and his immediate staff. I hope that a way can be found to help James Hurst because he is a talented footballer who needs some help and guidance from a mature source.
Richinns I could email the Club if you seriously think James could benefit from talking to an experienced Life Coach.
One hour after my post i read in a National Newspaper that Memphis Depay of Manchester United no less used to have regular talks with a Life Coach because of issues going back to his childhood.
I will speak to my friend and see if he is happy to assist if requested.
ROADRUNNER wrote:He signed for us because many wouldnt touch him with a bargepole, apparently he is a bad influence in the dressing room the guy is a ticking timebomb, such a shame, wasted talent.
Whilst fully agreeing with Jack's very good posting, looking at Hurst's career path, I suspect there is some truth in what Roadrunner has posted. He came through the ranks at WBA, signed for Portsmouth, returned to WBA (so they must have rated him), went out on loan to several clubs before signing for Crawley and even played for an Icelandic side at one stage. He has international honours at under 16, 18 & 19 level so his talent has been recognised and yet he ended up at Hednesford last season. Something doesn't sound right. Also, I thought he was about 19 or 20 but he will be 24 in January so you'd think he'd be at the top of his game now. As others have posted, we don't know the full details so we can only surmise. It will be a shame if he leaves the club but it does seem that he is self-destructing a promising career where he could and should play at a higher level.
Tomogull, from what you say it appears probable that Hurst will have received some good advice from others in recent years regarding his self-destructing nature. The club cannot afford any passengers or troublemakers and cannot afford to play the role of psychologist or social worker for somebody who should have sorted themselves out ages ago. Even so, the club may feel it's worth making such an investment if it results in an improvement in his attitude in the future. Before doing so, the club should consider the fact that whatever previous good advice he has been given appears to have fallen on deaf ears, and should ask the question: how many more chances does this guy deserve? I suggest one final chance, with a serious final warning, and, remembering the poor treatment meted out to Martin Ling, whatever help and guidance he needs to overcome his demons.
