Andy Preece is aiming to get Jack Hazlehurst back to his very best
Returning Jack Hazlehurst to the kind of form which lit up Victory Park in the 2023/24 season is one of Andy Preece’s missions.
The attacking midfielder was snapped up by Preece from North West Counties outfit City of Liverpool three years ago.
He went on to enjoy a superb first season at National League North level, scoring 10 goals from 36 appearances.
His performances caught the attention of clubs higher up the pyramid, including League One outfit Burton Albion, who snapped him up on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
It was a dream move for Hazlehurst, but unfortunately his time with the Brewers was ruined by a catalogue of injuries.
He managed just five appearances before being loaned out to Marine, although his time with the Mariners was also affected by injuries.
After returning to Chorley in the summer, Preece is hoping that Hazlehurst can put those setbacks behind him and rediscover the sort of form that made him one of the hottest properties in non-league.
“He was so unlucky at Burton,” said Preece, whose side travel to Merthyr Town tomorrow before hosting Brackley Town on bank holiday Monday.
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“He went to Marine and something similar happened there.
“We are trying to nurse him back and get him back playing regularly. If he’s back playing regularly, we’ve already seen his quality and hopefully we can get his career back on track because he’s a quality player.”Other fixtures: Tonight (7.45) – National League: AFC Fylde v Forest Green Rovers; NPL Premier: Guiseley v Lancaster City.Tomorrow – National League North: Scarborough Athletic v Southport; NPL Premier: Bamber Bridge v Hyde United; NWCL Premier: Barnoldswick Town v Burscough, Euxton Villa v Droylsden, Longridge Town v FC St Helens, Prestwich Heys v Charnock Richard; NWCL First Division North: Fulwood Amateurs v Darwen FC, Garstang v Colne.