Turner was yesterday announced as the man to replace Adamstown-bound Graham Law at the helm as the Magpies return to top flight competition for the first time since 2002 and the former Lake Macquarie manager envisages creating a home ground fortress on Stockade Hill. 

“I have played and coached against Maitland at Cooks Square for over 15 years and you always knew you were in for a battle when you went there,” Turner said.

“That’s what I want in 2015 – every time you come here you know you’re up for a battle and not to take it lightly.

“Whether you like it or not the feeling that this patch of turf belongs to Maitland.”

Turner, husband and father-of-three, has been entrusted with the job of steering the Magpies ship after a 12-year quest to gain promotion from First Division.

That goal became a reality on Sunday when the Magpies defeated Toronto Awaba 8-0 at Cooks Square Park in the final round of the season to ensure they finished minor premiers and avoided a sixth runner-up tag in seven seasons.

Maitland now rejoin the main draw and it will be Turner calling the shots against the likes of perennial heavyweights such as Broadmeadow, Hamilton and fellow Hunter Valley club Weston.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of taking on a second division side and making them competitive in the top league,” Turner said.

“It’s very exciting.”

This scenario isn’t unfamiliar to Turner having coached Lake Macquarie, who have been relegated from the NPL and replaced by Maitland next year, between 2010 and 2013. 

It was during this period Lake Macquarie were promoted from First Division before finishing second the following season upon returning to the top grade.

“I see a lot of similarities [to Lake Macquarie] with Maitland being ­promoted,” Turner said.

“It is great to see the enthusiasm and there is certainly a big buzz around the place at the moment.”

Turner said he also understood the ­significance of this sporting achievement for the city of Maitland and the ­importance of 2015 for the Magpies.

“I’m aware of the strong community in Maitland through family members that live there and look forward to being part of that,” 

“It also makes next season really important to lay a foundation for the club for years to come.”

Turner said the junior base in Maitland and the surrounds was also integral to the sustainability of the club.

“There are a few players there with good state league experience and they will be a big part of the journey next year,” Turner said.

“I’m also interested at looking at the younger players at the club in 23s and 19s because there is already strength in our own backyard rather than looking ­sideways.” 

Turner formally played State League at Wallsend, has enjoyed a stint at Port Macquarie and coached reserves at Broadmeadow.

Following his time at Lake Macquarie he now joins Maitland from Zone Premier League side Kahibah.

Turner will watch the Magpies from the sidelines as the club’s three sides take part in home-and-away semi-finals ­during the next two weekends in a bid to claim a hat-trick of major premierships.