Turn-ing of the tables in Morpeth Town’s hotseat
STEPHEN Turnbull is ready to prove himself all over again as he prepares for life in the dugout at Morpeth Town.
The South Shields-born midfielder was named as successor to Nicky Gray after the long-serving Highwaymen boss stepped down from his position last week.
The move caught many by surprise and caused a stir in the north-east as Gray received plaudits for his successful nine-year tenure at the club.
He led Morpeth to three promotions, an NPL East Division title and a Northumberland Senior Cup – not to mention the historic FA Vase triumph.
Gray, however, will remain at the club in a newly-created position.
The job now of building on the legacy left by Gray will fall to Turnbull as he takes on his first managerial role after spending two spells on the backroom staff at Craik Park.
The 33-year-old has enjoyed many highs during a playing career that started as a professional at Hartlepool United and saw him represent the likes of Gateshead, Harrogate Town and, on three occasions, Blyth
Spartans.
But Turnbull admitted that his playing career will count for little as he assessed the challenges that lie in wait in his new role.
He told The NLP: “Obviously when the opportunity came about, it took us all by surprise.
“Nicky has taken the club from bottom of Northern League Division Two to where we are now.
Thick skin
“That was part of the reason I took the job, it’s a great club, it’s a great squad and everything is in place.
“I couldn’t turn it down because it’s a fantastic opportunity to work with a brilliant squad.
“But I go into it with my eyes open and I know that people will ask questions if I don’t get a few wins.
“I have thick skin, it’s football, I have to prove myself as a manager because some great players don’t make it as a manager.
“I think it’s two totally jobs, so I know it’s a case of starting all over again.”
There will be a number of familiar faces supporting
Turnbull in the dugout when the all-clear is given for the on-field action to return.
Highwaymen assistant manager Jon McDonald and head coach Craig Lynch will remain in their positions and former boss Gray will continue to provide support.
Turnbull is keen to put his own stamp on the squad that Gray has put together, but insists he will utilise the knowledge of his former manager. He said: “I have worked with Nicky for a couple of years and the job he has done is frightening.
Knowledge
“People say they hope I can be half as successful as Nicky – I hope I can be a quarter as successful as him!
“I’ll take a lot from Nick as a manager.
“He knows when to be friend with the lads, and he knows when he needs to give them a kick up the backside – that’s probably one of his greatest skills.
“He will still be around, and I think I will speak to him more now than I have done in the past because he has an incredible knowledge of the Non-League game.
“I have my own ideas, I will use them, but I would be daft not to tap into Nick’s knowledge too.”