Alex Hurst

Alex Hurst (born 6 October 1999) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for National League North club Bradford (Park Avenue), on loan from EFL League Two side Port Vale.

A former Academy player at Crewe Alexandra, he won a move from Matlock Town to Bradford (Park Avenue) in October 2018, before being picked up by Port Vale in August 2019.

Early career

Hurst came through the Academy at Crewe Alexandra and played for the "Railwaymen" at under-18 and under-23 level. He joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Matlock Town in August 2018 after impressing "Gladiators" boss Dave Hoole on trial. He was signed by National League North club Bradford (Park Avenue) on 19 October 2018. He made his debut for the Avenue the following day, and after coming on for Nicky Wroe as a 68th-minute substitute went and scored a goal with five minutes in what finished as a 6–0 victory at Nuneaton Borough. He was handed his first start by manager Mark Bower on Boxing day, as Bradford recorded a 5–1 victory at Guiseley. He ended the 2018–19 season with 13 starts and 12 substitute appearances to his name, including a brief cameo in a 1–0 defeat at Spennymoor Town in the play-off quarter-finals.

Port Vale

On 3 August 2019, Hurst signed a two-year contract with English Football League side Port Vale after impressing manager John Askey on trial, though was immediately returned to Bradford (Park Avenue) on a five-month loan deal. Bradford manager Garry Thompson said that "He’s worked hard and deserves everything he’s got. Whilst we naturally want to keep our best players, the transfer shows that we are committed to developing talent but also won’t stand in anyone’s way to progress." On 24 September, he made his debut for the "Valiants" in a 3–2 victory at Macclesfield Town in the EFL Trophy, coming on as a 90th-minute substitute for Scott Burgess; the rules of the competition meant that he was able to play for the club during his loan spell at Bradford.

Hurst is a versatile player, able to operate as a left-sided midfielder, left-back, attacking midfielder or forward. He has pace, good ball control skills and has good strength despite his small build.

As of match played 28 December 2019