Turnbull gets new role with Highwaymen
MORPETH Town have strengthened their coaching staff ahead of their maiden season in the Evo-Stik League East.
Manager Nicky Gray has been looking for a successor for former joint-manager Dave Malone and has made two early additions to his backroom team.
Highwaymen’s midfielder Stephen Turnbull takes his first steps into coaching after being named as player-assistant manager.
He will be joined by former Seaham Red Star manager Craig Lynch, who also joins as Gray’s assistant.
Lynch left his role as Red Star boss at the end of last season and admitted the move to Craik Park had come as a surprise.
He said “It was very unexpected when Nicky rang me offering me the chance to be on the coaching staff.
“It is a chance I have jumped at to be working and learning from someone like Nicky and alongside Shawsy (Steven Shaw, Morpeth’s sports therapist) and Twinny (Stephen Turnbull).
“Already knowing a few of the lads from playing alongside, and against, them I know the quality within the squad.
“With the ambition of the club and chairman, I imagine we will be in for a great season.”
Turnbull (below) is still recovering from a long-term knee injury and is happy to concentrate on getting back on the pitch before beginning his coaching career.
He said: “I cannot wait to get started. It is interesting to see it from this side of the fence.
“I cannot wait to use all of the knowledge I have gained in my career and pass it on to the lads.
“I would like to think I have taken the best bits from each of the managers I have played under and I’d like to make my own mark too.” Chief Newcastle United Writer NEWCASTLE United boss Rafa Benitez knows he may have to reshuffle his squad this summer to make ends meet for their summer recruitment.
It us a situation Benitez has been open about since taking over and resulted in exits for Daryl Murphy, Grant Hanley, Sammy Ameobi and Vurnon Anita last year.
Benitez must fashion a squad capable of first staving off the threat of relegation before looking to build on last term’s top -10 finish.
Here we look through the Newcastle squad and their prospects ahead of the new season. MARTIN DUBRAVKA Will start the season as the club’s No 1 goalkeeper but Benitez has never been afraid to mix things up if he feels the need. KARL DARLOW Currently in talks about extending his existing contract beyond 2019.
He will start pre-season as No 2 but will feel he is capable of battling back into the starting XI. ROB ELLIOT Tied down to United until 2020 and settled in the North East. The Londoner will want to stake his case for a first-team spot. FREDDIE WOODMAN Certain to be loaned out after a stint at Aberdeen. The England under-21 international needs a club which will guarantee him regular action. DEANDRE YEDLIN Will start pre-season feeling he is the first choice but right-back is an area Benitez is looking to improve. JAVIER MANQUILLO A budget signing last summer to cover the full-back areas. Very much a backup player who could even be sold if the Magpies get the right bid. PAUL DUMMETT Emerged as a fan favourite towards the end of the season and Benitez has no intention of replacing him. Was a key player in the first half of last season before Florian Lejeune took over.
He is still deemed a key man by Benitez and will fight for his place. JAMAAL LASCELLES The captain would only be sold if there was an astronomical offer, with Chelsea and Liverpool interested.
Benitez would also insist every penny is added into his budget. FLORIAN LEJEUNE Suffered a shaky start to life in England but recovered excellently and is now a key part of the back four. The DR Congo international is currently talking to Anderlecht and will be sold if the club receives a price it is happy with. Benitez is impressed with the youngster’s attitude but he will be loaned out this season. ISAAC HAYDEN Could not force his way into the first team due to outstanding displays by Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey. The former Arsenal man will want assurances of firstteam football but it is hard to see him breaking up the current midfield pairing. MIKEL MERINO Enjoys life on Tyneside but is another who wants a game every week. It could be a huge