“It’s not seen as sexy to sign players from lower leagues” commented Tim Sherwood earlier in the week, but this is something all Dragons followers have become accustomed to since the gates to Broad Lane were nearly locked for good some 8 odd years ago. But in the summer of 2015, first team manager Mo Osman pulled one rabbit out of the hat which grabbed everyone’s attention, that being the signing of Ray ‘Razor’ Turner.

The initial buzz which came with the news of Razors return came with for some, a word of caution. What impact will this have on our existing squad, some queried, will we see wholesale changes or will he cement the great work which Mo and his team have built to date. It might not be seen as ‘sexy’ for some, but the unity, whole hearted effort and the desire shown by the nucleus of our loyal band of players (including some whom have moved on after several years service) has over the years become a far greater turn on for many followers.

Once relegation was confirmed last May, our attention immediately switched to what we hoped would be a successful season to come, and one with all of the existing players and management remaining. At that time, who would have thought Ray would sign. Ray recalled his initial meeting with Mo. “I knew of Mo and some of the players but not well, my first meeting with Mo went very well, he knew his stuff and came across genuine which I’d like to think I’m a good judge of character and he made my mind up to sign in that meeting. He has continued to impress me with his tactical know how of the game and he is a great coach and I’m learning lots from him, he also has a calm influence on the team as the gaffer which works well, although is prone to losing it a little at times which I have had to have a few chats with him about! I had about 8 offers in the summer but the chance to be assistant manager and be at a club that has massive potential locally was too good to turn down. It also helped that I’d also hit it off with the gaffer straight away too!”

Over the years Mo has built a side which revolves around wanting to play football above everything else. There’s a sense that if your first question is “how much are you going to offer me”, then he doesn't believe he will get the best out of you and you'll never get the best out of yourself. Adam Hampson recently tweeted “I've never enjoyed my football so much”, an eye catching statement from a man whom has hit so many goals at other clubs at this and the level above.

But Ray’s signature was one Mo was keen to secure in the summer, for reasons which extend beyond his on field ability. Mo recalled “When Kevin Brown (his assistant at the time) advised me that due to work commitments he may find it difficult to commit, I knew I had to act quickly and once I heard Ray Turner was available, for me it was a priority to get him on board, not just as a player but as a number two. His influence and experience both on and off the pitch is so valuable to both myself and the players and a new voice who brings fresh ideas and will help develop and push us all on”. Evidently to date, Razors impact and influence both on and off the field has been a joy to take in for both players and supporters.

For many a follower, seeing the nucleus of the squad return in pre-season was of primary importance. A crop of players whom have over the course of 40 weeks of the year, given up two nights a week and taken on several long drives to away games, but continually given their all. That effort has created a great sense of trust and appreciation between the players and supporters. Despite at times long runs without a win, those boys have never given up or jacked it in. The results of recent years have never justified the positive attitude and the desire of the players to play football and good football to boot, and Ray noted these qualities almost immediately. “They are a great bunch and clearly enjoy their football, playing together and for this club. The squad has lots of ability and they are full of confidence so are playing to their potential, which has been very noticeable in the victories over Stanway Rovers and Hadleigh United whilst taking Heybridge Swifts to the wire! The big difference between now and when I first joined back in 2003 is in my opinion team spirit. That’s not to say it wasn’t good all those years ago, for I’ve made some good friends which have lasted to this day, but after a game back then players would just go straight home where as now the whole team stays after for a drink which speaks volumes for them as characters and is obviously very important for team spirit!

Our target at the start of the season was for promotion above anything else and nothing has changed. Third place will do us and that’s the spot we still concentrate on and if achieved it will be job done. It’s obviously been a great start to the season and the players have been magnificent but we all know there is plenty of hard work still to be done.”

Ray recalls of his enjoyment during his time with the dragons back in 2003 and is keen to reproduce another successful stint. “I have fond memories of my first spell with the dragons, it was a successful time personally as I won players, supporters, managers player of the season and finished top goal scorer in a team that was in the Ryman League, which also had some big name ex-pros. My strike partner was Adrian Coote, at the time Colchester United’s joint record signing whom came straight from Utd to Wivenhoe. The support from the fans back then was unreal and I recall them having a couple of songs for me, and their support has stayed the same to date. They are a very passionate and loyal bunch, which is incredible at this level, who wouldn’t want to play in front of them week in week out, exceptional! I feel I have joined at a great time, for the club is more family friendly and orientated, financially more secure and is clearly moving in the right direction. The youth set up is really good, with Mo and several players involved with individual youth teams which is great to see, everyone is working together and moving in the same direction to take this great club back to where it belongs. A lot of credit should go to Mo and Lorraine and all the superb work others behind the scenes have put in during times of struggle. There is real light at the end of the tunnel thanks to them”.

Ray’s passion is football, it keeps his feet on the ground and he acknowledges the impact others have made in helping him to remain in love with the game and strive to earn a career whilst being able to give some of his knowledge back to future budding footballers. “Football is my passion and since getting involved in coaching I’ve loved it. I’m very fortunate to be working with some great people in football and am learning all the time, as well as building up my qualifications and working hard to become the best coach and football person I can be. I learnt a lot from my time at Clacton, being in the hot seat for 15 months in difficult circumstances and am very thankful to them for the opportunity, which I gained some valuable experience which has held me in good stead going forwards in my football career.”

As for the future, who knows where life will lead for the “old dog” to which he refers himself as. For any realist dragons fan, many just appreciate him turning up to the next game, refraining from looking too far ahead with too much optimism, but Ray doesn’t rule out the possibility of being here for a little while to come, subject to one or two changes!. “The music played in the dressing room needs to change, there’s no words, just a loud noise which has lead me to have gone through copious amounts of ibuprofen! At times the banter is quite poor from certain individuals (you know who you are!) whilst I’ve never been in a team that on the way to an away game on the bus they are betting with our fine money. Luckily they’ve won but I do fear a few of them have gambling problems! If these issues are ironed out there is no reason for me not to be here for a long while to come. I and my family are thoroughly enjoying being at Wivenhoe and I are very happy to be here!”

Likewise Razor, I’m quite sure there’s a good few supporters on the terraces whom appreciated your involvement too.

With thanks to Ray for his time in contributing to this article.
Jon Rensink