IT’S JACK’S TURN TO BE A WINNER
JACK TURNER has left Staines Town to join Slough Town – because he wants to win things.
The goalkeeper shocked the Swans by rejecting a new contract which would have seen him remain at the club for a fifth season.
But Turner, rated as one of the best stoppers outside of the National League divisions, is getting edgy that his trophy cabinet remains bare.
He may only be turning 25 in September, but he decided he needed a change of direction with Ryman Premier Staines struggling in the past few seasons.
Things improved under Johnson Hippolyte last term but the former AFC Wimbledon keeper – who played in League Two for the Dons before being released – believes his chances of success are better in the Southern Premier.
Turner said: “Slough are a club I heard a lot about last season. They moved back to the town, their crowds were great and they were unlucky not to win promotion.
Decision
“I loved my time at Staines but I just feel I had to make a big decision for myself.
“I really, really want to win something soon – it’s what I went into football for.
“I believe signing for Slough will give me a good chance of achieving that. I really needed a fresh start on the pitch.
“At 24 I needed to start pushing myself a bit more. I needed a new challenge and of course I wanted to be a part of play-offs, and winning leagues, if I could.
“I mean that with no disrespect at all to Staines because I will miss them.
“I’ll always be grateful for the chance they gave me to play regular first team football.
“I hope very much that they will be successful in the future but now my thoughts turn to next season at Slough and with some really good players signing, already I can’t wait.”
The Rebels were, of course, looking for another goalkeeper following the horrific neck injury sustained by Mark Scott back in March.
He collided with Bas- ingstoke Town’s Nana Owusu in a Southern Premier game and shattered his vertebrate, but could still challenge for the number one shirt if he continues his recovery. Turner is Slough’s third signing of the summer. His former Wimbledon team-mate Alan Inns and George Wells, both defenders, have joined from Kingstonian. Slough conceded more than anyone in the top five last term and are determined to solve that issue. Joint manager Neil Baker, who leads the team alongside Jon Underwood, confessed Inns was a player he has been trying to sign for years and was “over the moon” the 34-yearold centre-back will be moving to Arbour Park.