THE local non-league scene is in shock after popular manager Dave Turner died in the early hours of this morning.

It is believed that the Shrivenham boss died of a heart attack at around 12.30am. He was 52.

An enthusiastic and effervescent character, Turner took up the reins at Shrivvy in the summer following a five-year spell at Wootton Bassett.

He guided Bassett to two promotions to the Hellenic League Premier Division and took them farther than they had ever been in the FA Cup and FA Vase.

Under Turner's leadership and in his first season in charge, Bassett reached the FA Vase second round in 2008/09 where they were defeated 4-0 at 1992 winners Wimborne.

Bassett were subsequently promoted to the Hellenic League Premier Division in 2009/10, missing out on the Division One West title to Slimbridge only on goal difference.

Controversially demoted the following season after failing to meet ground grading criteria, Bassett bounced back in 2012/13 as Turner led them to second in the table behind Brimscombe & Thrupp, securing promotion.

That same campaign, Bassett achieved their best-ever run in the FA Cup, beating Calne, Hamworthy and Highworth to make it to the second qualifying round where they lost 4-0 to Conference South Dorchester.

Off the back of that success, Turner left Bassett for local rivals Shrivenham in May last year.

Turner, an ardent Swindon Town supporter, was also a former manager of Pewsey Vale.

He is survived by his wife Trisha and sons Alex, 24, and James, 22.

James is currently signed on at Shrivenham and also played for his father at Wootton Bassett.

Shrivenham's Hellenic League Challenge Cup third-round fixture at home to Wantage tomorrow night has been postponed.

Several personalities from the local football fraternity have left tributes to Turner through the Adver.

New College boss Rob Hopkins said: "Such sad news today. In football as an opposition player and manager I always had a good craic with Dave on and off the pitch.

"A great character in all walks of life. He will be sadly missed. Thoughts go out to all his family at this very sad time.

Swindon Town Academy goalkeeping coach Steve Hale added: "I was totally shocked to hear the news of Dave's passing.

"I played a couple of games for him and coached a couple of times for him and spoke to him a number of times throughout the course of each season, helping him out on a few matters.

"Dave was a passionate football man who was also respectful and very well organised and went about his business in the right way treating people well along the way.

"Dave will be sadly missed by everybody he came into contact with. RIP Dave."

Local player Adam Collier, who was coached by Turner as a youngster, said: "Dave Turner was a true gentleman and one of the nicest blokes I have met.

"He was one of mine and my brother's first ever football coaches at Wroughton Juniors.

"I was lucky to actually work with Dave at Swindon Town FC and I'll never forget his love for the game.

"My thoughts are with Dave’s family at this difficult time. RIP big man."

 

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