WANDERERS boss Neil Smillie began his backroom reshuffle this week by appointing Wayne Turner as his assistant and lining up a mystery Norwegian manager to run the youth team.

Turner helped Smillie towards the end of last season and the two hit it off so well that Smillie has offered him the job.

But it is Smillie's decision to turn to Europe for his youth team boss that will surprise Wanderers fans.

The import Smillie has earmarked for the job is a former playing colleague of his at Crystal Palace, who has been plying his trade in Scandanavia for the past ten years, first as a player and then as a manager.

With Smillie having no money to spend on proven players, Wanderers' youth team takes on an even greater significance and that is why Smillie was prepared to throw the net far and wide to find the right man.

Smillie said: "We are very good friends and he is interested enough to move move from Norway.

"There's a lot of people being shoved in my direction for the job, but I want someone I know and respect.

"He was an apprentice at Arsenal and then played for Crystal Palace and Hereford before going on to play and manage in Norway."

Smillie's intended import will meet Blues chairman Ivor Beeks next week to discuss a contract.

And if he signs, it could possibily lead to Norwegian players crossing the North Sea to Adams Park.

Smillie said: "You never know, all contacts are useful but I think it would be difficult to bring young players over from Norway. With so many Norwegians going to Premiership clubs it might be very hard to attract them to come over to a second division side."

Smillie is keen to get his backroom sorted out and is delighted Wayne Turner agreed to become his right hand man and reserve team manager on Wednesday.

Smillie said: "I'm glad to have him, we worked well together at the end of last season and he's right for the job. He's enthusiastic, he's a good coach, we work well as a pair and he's perfect to bring on the younger boys."

Turner, former asssistant at Luton and first team coach at Barnet, has taken the job on without a contract.

He said: "I might sit down with Neil and sort out a contract before the start of the season but I'm not too worried, I'm not sure what contracts are worth these days."

Turner is just delighted to take up the Adams Park challenge again.

He said: "I enjoyed it when I came in at the end of last season. It was excellent, the people are lovely, it's a fantastic stadium and everyone is pulling in the same direction.

"It's an exciting challenge. We're a small club but we're in there with Manchester City, Stoke, Fulham and Preston and the chance to turn them over excites me."

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