Ely City appoint new director of football

Sam Turner was appointed to the new role by manager Brady Stone and chairman Robert Button and will oversee the success of both the first team and reserve team as the club looks to build on a poor 2013/14 season.

Turner, from Downham Market, will help with coaching, scouting and player acquisitions at all levels and has made it his goal to help Ely put together a good league and cup season – with a particular focus on the FA competitions.

Turner, a former player at Bury Town and Halstead, in Sussex, said: “It will be my job to help Brady as much as I can. I’m going to be helping with coaching and I will be going out to have a look at the teams we will be playing.

“The main aim is to have a good solid season in the league and put together some good runs in the cups. That will help bring in some revenue and that is what it is about for clubs at our level. It will allow us to build for the future.”

Turner’s appointment came as the club announced a raft of changes to the managerial set up. Martin Grey has been appointed assistant manager to Brady Stone and James Salmons will took up the manager’s position for the reserve team.

Club veteran Dale Spring returns as assistant manager for the reserve team.

Turner, a builder by trade, said he was persuaded to join the Robins after a chat with chairman, Button.

He said: “I’ve been involved in football for more than 20 years and when I moved to Norfolk recently I wanted to carry that on locally.

“I was speaking to a few clubs but I had a chat with Bob and I was impressed with what he wanted to do at Ely.

“I will be looking to attract players to club, but the most important thing for me is to find players who want to play for Ely. I’m looking forward to getting started and getting the new season up and running.

“We want to turn the Unwin Ground into a fortress, make it difficult for teams to come here and that will hopefully improve our away form. too.”