Hurren: It was a no-brainer to join Stratford Town
GAVIN Hurren says it was a ‘no-brainer’ to join Stratford Town in their new-look management team.
Hurren ended the season leading Bromsgrove Sporting to safety in the Southern Premier Central but then, after discussions with the club, they decided to part ways.
But the 36-year-old is back in football to join head coach Dean Holdsworth with the Bards – and he cannot wait.
Hurren said Bards chairman Jed McCrory contacted him after he left Sporting and he quickly felt it would be the right move to come to the Arden Garages Stadium.
“As soon as we sat down for a chat, you could see Jed’s passion and his vision for Stratford Town and for Stratford as a town itself. It really excites me,” said Hurren. “I wanted to be part of it.
“It’s a fantastic football club, with a strong infrastructure, with the academy as well, and there are good players there. Jed talked a lot about the development of players, about bringing players through from the youth groups and that appeals to me.
“I didn’t need to think twice. It was a no-brainer. It’s a real honour to be asked to be part of it.
“I’m fully invested in what Jed wants to achieve and make the whole club better.”
Hurren, a UEFA B coach, has not worked with Holdsworth before but McCrory says they will complement each other and Hurren is looking to tap into the know-how of the former Premier League striker.
Hurren also came through the pro ranks at Nottingham Forest and played at non-league’s highest level with Kidderminster Harriers, getting to the FA Trophy final in 2007, as well as having spells at Solihull Moors, Tamworth, Hednesford Town and Stourbridge.
He was assistant to Mark Yates at Stourbridge, then interim boss before taking over from Bren Kelly at Bromsgrove in November to steer them to safety in the Premier Central.
“Bromsgrove were in a relegation battle and the remit was to keep them up,” said Hurren. “It was a tough task, but I was able to use a few contacts to bring in a few players and, credit to everyone, we managed to stay up.
“I’ve learned from it and that experience will stand me in good stead at Stratford.”
