He joined Barnsley in 1994, where he was sent out on loan to many clubs including Swansea City, Scarborough, and Mansfield Town.

After Chesterfield, Hurst played for Notts County where he was the club's top goalscorer with 15 goals in the 2004–05 season.

An injury-hit pre-season saw Hurst have back and achilles problems and lose his place in the team at the start of 2006–07.

By late September he had yet to return to the first-team, and as a result Shrewsbury sent him on loan to Bury for a month, in the hope of his regaining match fitness and goalscoring form.

Despite being linked with a move to Wrexham and playing a couple of pre season friendlies for Chester City, Hurst eventually signed for non-League outfit Gainsborough Trinity, scoring on his debut.

[11] Hurst signed for FC United of Manchester after watching them in a 3–0 victory over Radcliffe Borough in the FA Cup, on 11 September 2010.

[4] After retiring from playing, Hurst became a philosophy, RE and PE teacher, also coaching the school football team.