We were saddened to learn of the sudden death of former player John Hurst at the age of 69 on 26th April 2014.
John, son of former Grecians player Stan Hurst, was a regular in Exeter City's reserve team in the Western League in the 1960s. Beginning at Crediton, he joined Exeter and later played for Bideford Town. Like his father, he was an adept all-round sportsman and was adept at rugby, cricket and hockey.
He studied English and History at the University of Wales, Lampeter – where he met his future wife Daphne – and also represented the University of Wales at football, before studying for his teaching qualification at Loughborough. John moved to Wiltshire in the early 1970s and represented Chippenham Town and Marlborough.
John taught English at Headlands School in Swindon between 1973 and 1975, and was later Head of English at Kingsdown School from 1975 to 1984. He then moved to the newly-established New College in Swindon, where he worked until retirement in 2000.
During his time there, he produced many fine football teams. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Swindon Town’s Youth Academy during the mid-1990s, and also fostered links between the college and Forest Green Rovers.
John was at Exeter City’s final home game of this season against Scunthorpe United, but was rushed to hospital as he was taken ill after the game. He was taken to the RD&E Hospital but didn’t recover, and passed away later that evening.
The thoughts of Exeter City are with John and his family.