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Saturday, May 17, 2008

Turner's Award upsets Ince Supporters

Last Sunday Graham Turner was awarded the League Two manager of the season. However Steve Kutner, who is Paul Ince's agent, thinks the MK Dons manager should have received the award.

"I consider it sinister that every manager who won a league title — from the Premier all the way through — was named LMA manager of the year, except Paul," Kutner told the Sun,

"He has done an incredible job at MK Dons this season, winning League Two having spent very little on players.

"I have nothing against Graham and I’m sure he’s done a first-class job.

"I just can’t understand how Paul could have been overlooked for this award given the season he’s had. I’d like someone to explain it to me."

So how does the voting work?

"The votes are cast by each manager in the individual leagues for one of their peers," said LMA chief executive, Richard Bevan.

There is little doubt that Turner's award was partly due to the recognition that he was working on a very tight budget as opposed to some other managers in League Two.

However others such as Luther Blisset, a former English striker, see it from a different angle.

"Paul has the ability to become the first black English manager in the Premier League," said Blisset.

"If he had won, it would have sent out a very encouraging message to young black coaches."

Turner spoke about his award earlier this week.

"It's a reflection on the whole club and how hard everybody's worked to conclude a successful season. I think that's reflected in the award that we received," he told the Worcester News.

"I have got to have some sympathy with Paul, who did the double, but, in the end, I think resources have been taken into consideration and that's held sway. But I was absolutely delighted, among some distinguished guests, to receive the award."