Highwaymen boss Stephen Turnbull has been preparing for his new role as manager since the early stages of his career.

The midfielder, who was officially announced as boss at Morpeth Town on Friday, will take on his first management role at Craik Park.

Taking over from Nick Gray, Turnbull is confident his near 20-year experience in league and non-league football will stand him in good stead.

During that time, he has had an eye on aspects of other managers he has played under which could prove useful to him in his own managerial career.

“I’ve been picking up bits and bobs from managers since I was 17,’” Turnbull told the club website.

“At an early age I have seen things and thought I’d pinch that if I went into management. The way Nicky (Gray, former Morpeth boss) deals with players, he has got the balance right; he is a mate when he needs to be and he is the boss when he needs to be. That is certainly something I will take from Nicky.

“I liked encouragement from a manager. There are going to be times when you fall out with players and times where people disagree with you.

“But that’s how you are as a manager. You get the best out of people by being honest and respectful and positive. There has got to be a line, with discipline in there; you’ve got to have that nasty streak but when people are doing well, you need to let them know about it.

“It’s not going to be easy as some of the lads are friends but that’s how it goes. You have got to have that line. I’ve been given this opportunity and I’m going to take it with both hands.”

Turnbull was recommended by Gray when the decision-making process was underway for the manager’s job.

Formerly an assistant manager during Gray’s tenure, the midfielder, who will continue as a registered player too, is certain he knows the current squad better than most; that can be a useful tool for any new boss.

“Things are going well for Morpeth, why would I come in and change things?” continued Turnbull.

“There will be little tweaks because I have my own ideas. The way Nicky, Dave Malone and Jon (McDonald) have done things over the years, who am I to come in and change when they have been so successful?

“If something isn’t broke, why try and fix it?”

Turnbull is determined to hit the ground running when the new campaign eventually gets underway and is aiming high.

“My ambition for this season is to win one game at a time, concentrate on the first game of the season then move on to the second one. It’s a cliché but one game at a time,” he added.

“If we get things right, with the players we’ve got, we’ll be there or thereabouts in the top six. But, for me, it is one game at a time.”