NEW Holland FC joint-boss Ray Turner wants to lead his team to championship glory next season.

The former FC Clacton manager is taking the reins alongside Rob Batten, at the ambitious Thurlow Nunn League club.

He is replacing good friend Glenn Cowen, who recently announced that he was stepping down to spend more time with his family.

And Turner says he cannot wait to get started.

He is confident all of last season’s squad will stay put and he has already been in touch with potential new targets, with a view to building a title-winning squad.

“I always knew that when I finished playing, I wanted to get straight back into management,” said the 36-year-old, whose illustrious non-league career includes time at Stanway Rovers, Wivenhoe Town, Halstead Town and Brantham Athletic, as well as Clacton.

“Then this opportunity came along and the timing is absolutely perfect.

“I haven’t even got to move clubs and it’s nice that everything is so amicable, because of my relationship with Glenn.

“He and I have been friends for years and he’s really pleased for me.

“He’s been great about it and I also get on well with (chairman) Mark Sorrell.

“He’s very honest and someone I really respect.

“He’s a real family man and someone who’s very passionate about his football and Holland.

“I’m really looking forward to it and have high hopes for next season.

“I’m not the kind of person who’s going to settle for a mid-table. That’s not in my nature.

“I want to aim for the title. I want to get the club promoted and although I know that’s a big ask in a difficult league, I think it’s important to set your sights high.

“Last season’s fifth-place finish has given us something to build on and it was only fine margins – a few dropped points – that prevented us squeezing into the top three.

“We weren’t a million miles away and because of that, I believe we can give it a really good shot.

“Last season’s squad will be another year older, wiser and more experienced.

“Some of them hadn’t played step six football before and it is different to the Border League.

“You have to be that bit more professional.”

In addition to retaining players, Turner has already been in touch with various targets that he would like to bring to the Rush Green Bowl.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to retain all of last season’s squad and then hopefully I can add three or four,” he said.

“I’m quietly confident of doing that and, if we can, I’m pretty sure we can have a really good go.

“I’m already going after players that I know will do a job for me in division one.

“They’re people I’ve played with or managed before and I know their capabilities.

“I’ve sown the seeds and been in touch with various players.

“I didn’t do a hard sell. I just told them I’d love them to come over and join us and put the ball in their court.

“I want to build a squad of around 16 or 17 players.

“And I want to stick with those lads for the whole season, rather than having to swap things round and chopping and changing.

“I need players who are committed for next season and who aren’t going to play a couple of times and then go missing.

“That’s the only way we’re going to get any consistency.”

Turner decided to hang up his boots at the end of last season.

His final appearance came on the last day of the division one campaign, when he helped Holland to a 3-2 victory at Cornard United.

He admits it is the end of an era, having played semi-professional football for two decades.

But he says his excitement at this new challenge has diluted his sadness at not playing anymore.

“You just know when it’s time,” he said.

“I enjoyed my last few months at Holland and managed 13 goals in half a season, having only signed in January.

“But something in me told me it was time to call it a day.

“I might still play the odd vets or Sunday game.

“But I want to be in the dug-out now and I’m committed to managing Holland.

“I thought I’d be sadder at hanging up my boots but a combination of knowing it’s the right time and this opportunity means I’m more excited.

“I’m still going to be part of a dressing room and get that buzz of being part of a team.

“I’m sure there will be days when I’ll think ‘I’d love to be out there playing’.

“But my decision sits well and now I’m ready for the next step.

“I’ve managed to stay relatively injury free and I’ve been fortunate enough to have a career spanning 20 years, from step four with Wivenhoe Town to step seven with West Bergholt.

“I’ve always managed to score goals and contribute to my team, I’ve been lucky enough to win some trophies and personal accolades and I’ve got so many good memories.

“I’ve had good experiences with all my clubs and can’t grumble at all.

“I’ve had a good innings and am proud of what I’ve achieved.

“Hopefully now I can pass some of that knowledge onto my players.

“It’s going to be really good next year and, barring reprieves, it’s going to be interesting being in the same division as the likes of Clacton, Wivenhoe, Oakley and Halstead.

“There will be some big games and it’s good for Essex football.”