Reds sign right back Hurst

The 21-year-old right back, who played against Reds last year for

Shrewsbury Town, started his career at West Bromwich Albion.

He signed for Portsmouth in 2008 but failed to make a senior appearance,

moving on loan to Icelandic side IBV two years later.

James enjoyed a successful spell in Iceland’s top division, making 16 appearances and

scoring one goal.

James returned back to England to re-sign for West Bromwich Albion in

2010, making his only Premier League appearance in a 3-0 defeat to

Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The following season James found himself playing most of his football out

on loan. Spells at Blackpool, Shrewsbury and Chesterfield followed.

James said: “I’m delighted to be a Crawley Town player. The club have

really grown in the last two or three years – everyone in football has

noticed it.

“I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my career. It was disappointing

that I didn’t play more Premier League football but sometimes you have to

take a step back to go forward again. I know a couple of the other lads and

I’ve had a good spell in Iceland so I feel fit and raring to go and I’m looking

forward to linking up with the boys tomorrow on the training ground.”

Reds boss Richie Barker was delighted to have Hurst on board.

Richie said: “Right back was a key position for us when it came to adding

to the squad and we’re delighted to have James on board. He’s a terrific

defender but he loves to get forward and fits the template of player I want

in our squad – someone who is young, athletic with a willingness to learn

and improve and a terrific attitude.”