Australian forward Glenn Turner has the mix of experience and personality to bring out the best Dabang Mumbai teammates at the Hero Hockey India League 2015. He attracted the sixth highest bid at the player auctions, worth $ 61000 against base price $ 25000. “The team is really a good mix, gelling well in training and we have some good practice games. We have some good older guys, we have some younger guys as well coming through.”
He prowled upfront for Mumbai Magicians in earlier editions, making an impact with pace and aggression, the squad did not play to potential. Turner promises that HIL 2015 will see a different Mumbai unit. “I guess we had a few obstacles in the first two years for our team and it was way out of our control. This year everything seems to be going smoothly.” Mumbai Magicians ended up fifth out of six teams last year, now a new team and support staff has been put together by Dabang Mumbai.
DM host Punjab Warriors in the opening game at home turf, the Mahindra hockey stadium, on January 24. “Momentum in the first two games is going to be crucial. If we get that then we can expect to have a good tournament. The first two games are going to be tough, but in this kind of competition even in the past we have not lost by much ever. I think we can do better,” said the Aussie.
Dabang Mumbai played street hockey with a local team and Turner was one of the HIL stars to interact with kids later. “Playing at home is a huge, huge advantage playing in front of the home crowd. We really want to the fans something back this year, so we are really going to try and put on some good performance at home,” he said afterwards.
The Mumbai franchise has changed hands. DoIT Sports Management is the new owner, the hockey show is run by a group of former hockey Olympians. “For me it’s a very good feeling this year. Everything has been organised well. I guess we are on the right track. We have good group of guys who get along well. In a tournament like this where we just together one week before the tournament it’s really important.”
Former India captain Viren Rasquinha is the Team mentor he was a playing member for Mumbai Magicians. Fellow Olympian, former India captain and defender Anil Aldrin is designated assistant coach, along with Edgar Mascarenhas Jr. as goalkeeping coach. Dabang Mumbai head coach in HIL 2015 is Valentin Altenburg and Performance Analyst is Jens Hillman, both from Germany.
