On 15 February 2008, Hurst joined Conference National side Burton Albion on a one-month loan to regain his fitness after injury and extended the loan for a second month. He was released by Rotherham after 15 years at the club, at the end of the 2007–08 season. In 2008, Hurst stated that he wanted to return to Rotherham as part of the backroom staff in the future. Hurst had a trial at Mansfield Town but turned down a move before moving into management.