Hurst BBC Interview (Transfer Update)

Just a few notes of interest from Hurst's interview today.

* Hopeful of a deal for Sam Habergham, they are talking and working out a deal that will suit both. PH was very complimentary of him and said he did well midweek. Said he is fit and has been clearly working hard to get fit in order to make a return.

* Pierre Fonkeu who had been on trial will be leaving next week although PH said he is is allowing him to train for another week. He cites decision not to keep him is that obviously he was brought in by Holloway and a change of manager can effect decisions like this. Same thing formed the Terry Taylor exit.

* He was asked about Jake Taylor of Nottingham Forest who was on loan at Scunny, PH says he likes him but he likes a lot of players, when asked if he had spoken to his agent, PH said he has.

* He was hoping to get players in by now but he said a lot of calls and work has been done this week and that he has a more clear cut idea of who will be coming.

* Says he will be hoping to bring in 6, 7 or 8 players ideally. Asked whether some will be loans. He says possibly but angling towards bringing in permanent players, doesn't want to bring in too many loan players (as per IH) as we can only field 5.

* Ruling out loaning Battersby back out, keen to have him playing for the Reserves, would see it as more beneficial.

* Says he plans on keeping Preston and Bennett for the rest of the season

* Says clubs have been watching Pollock but there has been no offers or approaches from any club.

In terms of team news, Macca is back, Scannell and Hanson back in training but only doing little bits.

No COVID-19 issues, all players tested negative in last round of tests.

Thank you for the above report.  Seems that a number good things are happening - just slower than hoped for.  We just have to be patient.

Sam Habergham now signed on till the end of the season.

Two things about that interview ,

1.  A lot more sensible conversation and not going off topic that we had with Ollie.

2.  Paul sounds really up for the job and convinced he can bring the right players in plus seems a more happy person than when he was here last time.Must be the new owners allowing him the backroom staff he was denied last time.

I am feeling a little more upbeat that he will get us out of this mess.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Two things about that interview ,

1.  A lot more sensible conversation and not going off topic that we had with Ollie.

2.  Paul sounds really up for the job and convinced he can bring the right players in plus seems a more happy person than when he was here last time.Must be the new owners allowing him the backroom staff he was denied last time.

I am feeling a little more upbeat that he will get us out of this mess.

I always like Hursty, he is always honest, however dry he can come across. He calls it how it is and like you say there is no show and bravado like we had with Holloway and what you get with other managers.

I think PH will get us out of this. First of all he’ll get more from the players runaway left, then when he knows the best eleven he’ll minimise changes so they learn about each other quickly
Then his signings won’t be made using the scattergun method, they’ll improve us

He definitely seems more relaxed these days. Maybe the pressure got to him when he was here before. Maybe he’s a bit more self-aware, with some of the little self-deprecating jokes, perhaps he’s matured a bit more. I like the new Hurst more.

You can tell he's happy to be back in management. He hasn't been out of it since he started his management career with Rob Scott at Ilkeston, which must have been 12-13 years ago.

The last 11 months must have felt like a long time for him.

Realistic, sensible and down to earth. Quite refreshing after a year of being treated to the insane gibberish of his predecessor!