Turner has no regrets about taking over as Seasiders boss (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Turner has no regrets about taking over as Seasiders boss

7:00am Thursday 25th October 2012 in Sport By Matt Plummer

RAY Turner has nailed his colours to the FC Clacton mast - and says he has no regrets about taking charge of the struggling Seasiders.

The Tendring team dipped to the foot of the Thurlow Nunn League premier division table after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Felixstowe and Walton.

And there was more disappointment on Tuesday, as neighbours Stanway Rovers knocked them out of the Red Insure Challenge Cup.

Steve Pitt’s men began their defence of the trophy by running out 3-0 winners.

However, despite his team’s obvious predicament, Turner is hell-bent on turning things round - ideally starting with three points at Godmanchester Rovers on Saturday.

“It’s been very hard and frustrating so far, but I took the job on with my eyes wide open,” said the former Clacton, Stanway and Halstead Town striker.

“I knew what to expect and, despite those problems, I’m still enjoying it and don’t have any regrets.

“I’m giving my all and am constantly on the phone, trying to get a competitive side together for each match.

“Some managers might walk away and others might question how much motivation there is, just trying to avoid relegation.

“But I’m not one to give up and I’ll be here for the rest of this season, at least.

“I’m absolutely determined to keep this club in the premier division.”

Turner says his current predicament is a first for him.

In all his years in non-league football, he has never been part of a struggling, relegation-threatened side.

“I’ve never been in this position before - bottom of the league or scrapping,” he said.

“I’ve always been with teams fighting for the title or promotion, or at the very least in the top-half of the table.

“It’s a new experience and it’s going to be a steep learning curve, but it’ll stand me in good stead - just as it will the players.”

Lewis Bentley’s early goal set Stanway on the road to glory on Tuesday.

Ryan Taylor then doubled the lead, after a mazy run by Kevin Coyle.

And it was former Clacton captain Coyle who put the gloss on victory, lashing a shot home from 20 yards.