Former United winger Kevan Hurst (KH) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's Paul Newton (PN) today after earlier in the week being released at the end of his current Carlisle contract, Hurst saying there is nothing more that he can do about the situation :
KH
Obviously I am very disappointed that my contract has not been renewed but the gaffer (Greg Abbott) has changed his opinion of me, so I no longer feature in his plans and that is his choice, and there is nothing more I can do about it really. I enjoyed my first season up there but everything comes to an end so I just wish all the lads all the best, and the gaffer and Kav (Graham Kavanagh) and I hope they do a good job next season.
PN
When were you informed that your contract wasn't going to be renewed?
KH
I only found out that the other day, when would it be? It would be a couple of days ago. But, obviously with what happened and me going out on loan to Morecambe until the end of the season really I already basically knew that I wasn't going to get a new contract at Carlisle. So, my mind was already made up that I wouldn't get a contract and I was just trying to concentrate on the future really.
PN
It has been a frustrating season for you, do you personally feel frustrated that you never really got the opportunity to play in the first-team this year?
KH
Well, yeah, especially after the season I had prior to this season. I had many nights where i just laid awake thinking why am I not getting a chance? I played 'x' amount of games the season before and did well, and obviously didn't get the opportunity this season which was really frustrating, and sometimes made me a bit angry really. Because, I proved that I could play at that level and proved I could play in that team the season before, so it is difficult. I know a couple of players came in and did really well but to get the lack of opportunities that I had not to prove myself, it is frustrating like you say.
PN
Did the manager ever sit you down and explain perhaps why you weren't involved in his first team plans?
KH
Erm, well you know, you have chats as a footballer and as a manager, you have chats on and off the field and we had chats that never really came to anything really. I have got a lot of time for Greg but I don't know, it is difficult to explain this season for me anyway and I am not going to sit here and slag anyone off. It is obviously that the gaffer thought I wasn't ready to play in the team, he thought I wasn't fit enough, playing well enough, that is his choice. But, to not get an opportunity to prove to the fans that I was still capable of playing in that team, that is the main thing that frustrated me.
PN
How much do you think that switch in formation this season to that diamond formation might have been responsible perhaps for edging you out of his thinking do you think?
KH
Yeah, maybe so, he didn't want to play with wingers and I think Marshy (Ben Marshall) came in and did really well as well, which is the kind of thing that puts me back in the list. He was playing sensational to be honest and I am sure that this season he will be playing somewhere higher up in the Championship or maybe even at Stoke. So, I think those two pointers gave me a little bit of, well a lot of............ They were the two reasons that I couldn't get in the team really, but I never had the opportunity to prove that I could play as well as Marshy was, that is the be-all and end-all really.
PN
Obviously, not the best way to end your time at Brunton Park, but going back to last season there were some high points, you do have some happy memories of your time with the club?
KH
Definitely yeah, I have got a lot of close friends from Carlisle now, Thirs (Paul Thirlwell) and I am always going to keep in touch with a lot of the boys. But, last season was great for me you know, the FA Cup run, the Johnstone's Paint run, the run of games that I had, it is what every footballer wants, we did well but unfortunately I didn't get to play at Wembley because of my injury. But, the lead up, the run up to getting there was really good and those are the times that a footballer wants in his career and this season has not gone well, but you look at that and I had some great times at Carlisle so I will always remember them.
PN
In a way do you feel frustrated because maybe you weren't able to do yourself justice or show the Carlisle fans what Kevan Hurst was all about?
KH
Oh yeah, I think the Carlisle fans know what I am about from the first season, I did struggle with a couple of injuries in the season as well but I played a lot of games. This season I wanted to do it back-to-back and prove again that I could play and excite them and that sort of stuff. But, now things haven't gone my way this season but I am sure that I will keep my head up, keep positive, that is all you can do really.
PN
And what now for you? Obviously you spent the back end of the season on loan at Morecambe, is there a chance you may be joining the club full time in the summer? Where does the immediate future lie for you?
KH
I am not sure to be honest, I am just sitting down with my agent speaking to clubs and I have just got to see what happens really. I am not saying that I am going to go here or saying that I am going to go there, I am just waiting to see what happens and then when it does happen everyone will obviously know where I am. At this stage it is unclear but I had a good time at Morecambe and I appreciate that, but you never know, I don't know what is going to be happening.
PN
Ideally would you like to be still playing at a higher level than League Two?
KH
Yeah, I think I can play at a higher level. I have played all my career at League One and the Championship, I had a Championship season at Scunthorpe so I think I can play definitely at League One. But, obviously, I have got to get the opportunity to play at League One again, so hopefully I will and hopefully you will see me next season.
PN
A final word for the United supporters?
KH
Yeah, I have enjoyed my time at Carlisle, the fans are great and I have enjoyed playing in front of them. We have had some great times, the Johnstone's Paint final was great and obviously this season I am sure they enjoyed it as well. So, I just want to thank them for all their support and wish them all the best for the future, and all the lads, the coaching staff, the behind the scenes staff and wish them all the best for the future.