TURNING POINT
Centre-back Michael Turner wants to make an impact at Southend
MICHAEL Turner hasn’t spent much time down in League One during his career – and he doesn’t intend hanging around there too long with Southend.
The 34-year-old, who spent much of his career at Hull and Sunderland battling Premier League strikers, is targeting promotion after rejoining former Tigers manager Phil Brown.
He finds himself in familiar company at the back, having spent three years alongside Anton Ferdinand, now Shrimpers captain, at Sunderland under Steve Bruce.
Michael Kightly, MarcAntoine Fortune and Nile Ranger are also former Premier League players now plying their trade alongside Turner and Ferdinand at Roots Hall.
Turner is confident that Southend, who went into yesterday’s game at Portsmouth in mid-table, can push for a play-off place this season, at the very least.
“Phil Brown was a big part of my move,” admitted Turner.
“The club showed an interest in me the previous season and I kept an eye on their position.
“They were close to getting top six and I believe they have a chance of top six, or top two, this season. Those two things were key to my decision to come here.
“The goal is to get into the play-off positions and stay there by pushing up the table but it’s very tight. We have an opportunity to go on a run, though, as we have won our last two.
Potential
“It’s important to carry on that form. I have been in among the players and seen what they are capable of. There are really good players at the club with the potential to do something very special.”
Turner’s summer move hasn’t gone to plan so far, with the 34-year-old unable to make his debut until this month due to a hamstring injury.
The centre-back picked up the knock during pre-season and played his first match for the Shrimpers in their recent 2-0 Check-a-trade Trophy win against Colchester.
Now, though, Turner is fully fit and desperate to put a difficult few months behind him with regular first-team action at the heart of the Southend defence.
“It’s been very frustrating coming to a club early in preseason and looking to get fit and build relationships, then to pick up a knock in a preseason game,” he added.
“I thought it would be six to eight weeks – but it was three months. To be back and available is very pleasing.
“You can’t really maintain fitness in the gym. Being on grass is very different, but I have been training for two or three weeks and played some games. I feel I am in a good place. Playing a league game is slightly different so we will see how I feel.
Impact
“I am one of the older players, so I am sure the boss will manage me with respect to game time.”
Turner is confident of having a positive impact on Southend’s promotion bid.
“I know what to expect from the league,” he added. “I played in it when I was 20 or 21 for Leyton Orient and Brentford, so I know what it’s about. I don’t think anything will be a surprise, but it’s about getting up to speed and getting fit.
“Coming to a new club, I was very excited about the challenge of playing in League One. I was looking forward to playing for a manager who I have previous experience of playing under.
“Hopefully, I can make an impact going forward.”