RUFC - A Quick Low Down on Hursty

Paul Hurst made his 493rd appearance for the Millers in November, beating a record Danny Williams had held for forty-eight seasons, but since that day he hasn`t featured for the Millers and at the end of the season he was among the six players manager, Mark Robins, decided to release.

Hursty was playing for Middlewood Juniors in the Sunday League when, at eleven years old, he was introduced to the School of Excellence at Rotherham United. He made his full time league debut in 1993/94 season but it was two seasons later when he made the left-back position his own.

Speaking to the magazine, Chase, he remembers that his first monthly wage packet was £29.50 and that he was advised to have the occasional pint of Guinness because they were eager for him to put some weight on! Paul was asked about the best manager he had played under and said that it was hard to say but the most successful manager had to be Ronnie Moore though he had a lot of time for Mick Harford and Alan Knill.

When asked about the best players he has played with he said that he`d been fortunate to play with some really good players but names Steve Thompson, Alan Lee, Shaun Goater and Shaun Goodwin who sprang to mind. He said the hardest opponent he had had to face was Paul Iffil in his Millwall days, although the best player he had played against was Chris Waddle when he played for Burnley.

Paul has spent the latter part of the season playing for Blue Square Conference side, Burton Albion and he still believes he has enough in him to play for another team but when he finally hangs up his boots he thinks he will take up a career working in the media. He is doing a degree course in Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting and through the course has been working with RotherFM, Radio Sheffield and the Rotherham Advertiser. He says he has enjoyed the work although can`t decide whether he prefers the radio or newspaper side of things, while he has also been thinking of taking up teaching.

He said, about his holding the record for the most appearances for the Millers, 'the day I broke the record will stay with me for the rest of my life thanks to the supporters who gave me a great reception when I came onto the pitch before the game against Shrewsbury.`

Here at Vital we want to wish him the best of luck in whatever he does in the future. And, whatever that may be, I am sure we will be hearing more of Hursty.