AFC Telford defender James Hurst back in training
James Hurst is back in training at AFC Telford United – but boss Rob Smith insists the player will not feature for the club again.
The 24-year-old, who remains on the transfer list after a spat with supporters on social media, took part in a session with the rest of the squad at Lilleshall.
"We have requested that he trains but nothing changes," said Smith.
"It's more of a contractual obligation that he still trains with us."
Hurst, formerly of West Bromwich Albion, was one of the club's marquee signings this summer.
He ousted fans' favourite Dwayne Samuels at right wing-back, impressing on a couple of occasions before seeing red against Salford on October 29.
His first yellow card was just prior to half-time for dissent, while the second was for a late challenge just after the hour mark.
As he left the pitch, he took a bow and then wrote a series of posts on Twitter that night featuring comments like: "I feel like a surgeon stacking shelfs in this league."
He also seemed to brag about a plush lifestyle, which was ill-timed given Telford's current financial struggles.
A comment to a supporter read: "u paid to watch me today (sic)."
Another post to the same supporter read: "haven't ever been relagated like half of ur players steadfast (sic)."
The former Shrewsbury loanee deleted the tweets but then claimed he had been 'bullied' and 'trolled' on the social media platform.
His comments led to an internal investigation, carried out by Bucks chairman Ian Dosser and general manager Sharon Bowyer, and his subsequent placement on the transfer list.
On whether Hurst will return to the first team at all, Smith said: "No, there is no change to the situation.
"If he wants to get himself a move, and hopefully he does want to get a move, then he needs to get himself in shape and I don't know if he has been keeping himself in good shape recently."
Hurst tweeted a picture in his Bucks training gear yesterday along with the caption: "Exited First day back at school after the 7 week autumn recess (sic)"
Smith was set to assess the condition of Jonathan Royle last night. The midfielder was forced off after 58 minutes with a groin injury at Halifax Town on Saturday.
