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, who was in his early-50s, died of a heart attack at around 12.30am.

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.

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