[1] He came through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion, but declined to sign for them, opting instead for a scholarship with the 2008 FA Cup winners, Portsmouth, who reportedly beat Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa to his signature.

[6] He made his debut for Albion on 1 December 2010 in the League Cup quarter-final clash with Ipswich Town which ended in a 1–0 defeat at Portman Road.

[23] After being sent off in a match against Salford City in October, he was involved in an argument with supporters on social media, leading to his suspension and a club investigation into his behaviour.

[36] Hurst made his debut for Tamworth the same day, playing the full match in an away quarter final fixture against Leamington in the Birmingham Senior Cup, which the home side won 3–1.

[37] Hurst set off on a pretty impressive goal scoring run, which coincided with the appointment of Andy Peaks as manager at Tamworth.

In Peaks first match as manager, Hurst scored a brace in a 6–0 demolition of Barwell on 26 February 2022 in a home Southern League Premier Division Central fixture.

[38] James bagged an 82nd minute equaliser in the next match, an away Southern League Premier Division Central fixture at Hitchin Town on 28 February 2022.

[39] Hurst scored his fourth goal for Tamworth on 19 March 2022, in a Southern League Premier Division Central fixture away at AFC Rushden & Diamonds, James scored the 37th minute to half the deficit after the home side had taken an early 2–0 lead, the game finished 2–2 with Jordaan Brown equalising in the second half.

[40] Tamworth produced a newsletter on 9 May 2022, which confirmed that Hurst along with fellow defender Lucas Yeomans were in fact on longer term contracts, and would both remain with the club for the 2022–23 season.