
Erhun dominates the local press
The news of young Turk going all 'Posh' by signing for Peterborough United was the talk of the papers this week.
Yesterday the 'Southwark News' headlined with
OZ ENDS UP GOING POSH
Goalscoring midfielder Erhun Oztumer has left Champion Hill after signing a two year deal with the League One club on Monday.
It appeared that Oztumer would be going to League Two newcomers Luton Town a matter of weeks ago but he has finally put pen to paper with The Posh, managed by Alex Ferguson's son Darren, ending speculation about his future.
The 5'3" play-maker has been a sensation for Dulwich,scoring 61 goals in 77 appearance, that has led to him signing professional terms.
The 23-year-old clearly has a passion for al lthings Pink and Blue and is grateful to all at Hamlet. He told the News: "I started to love football again [when I joined Dulwich]. When I left my Turkish side I didn't love the game as I do now. Coming down a few steps [in the football league ladder] helped me and I found my feet again at Dulwich".
He added: "I was not expecting to score so many goals and was more of an assist man. Gavin [Rose], Kads [Junior Kadi] and Kevin [James] pushed me and I think they have made me who I am today. They talk to you one-one-one and they tell you what they want from you and I think that helps a lot."
A quick chat to anybody in the stands at Edgar Kail Way will leave you in no doubt how much Dulwich fans have come to appreciate the skills of Oztumer, and the feeling is mutual.
"I have a connection with the [Dulwich] fans on and off the pitch, they are like my friends now. They are on my twitter and Facebook, and I tweet with them so there is a good bond with them."
Whatever happens to the Londoner, of Turkish extraction, he will always appreciate his time in Southwark.
He told the News: "It's more than a club to me. For me it's been a key to my success, the club has helped me to succeed and get where I am now. I can't describe what the club has done for me, it's incredible but really hard to put into words. I need to thank the coaching staff of Gavin, Junior and Kevin for getting me to where I am today. I especially want to thank the fans, they have made me feel at home and have been incredible. I also need to thank the players at Dulwich, they helped me by playing to my strengths which has benefitted me an the team."
There was more coverage of Erhun's dream move into professional football in this morning's weekend edition of the 'South London Press':
Erhun's move to Posh is 'most satisfying' for Rose
Erhun Oztumer clinched his move into the Football League this week-with Dulwich boss Gavin Rose hailing it as his most satisfying transfer of his Champion Hill residency.
The playmaker had looked on the verge of joining a League Two side with AFC Wimbledon, Luton and Gillingham all agreeing terms with the South London club. But Peterborough made their move last week and Oztumer, 23, put pen to paper on a tw0-year deal at London Road on Monday night.
The diminutive schemer has been a star performer for Hamlet over the past couple of campaigns, choosing to rebuild his career under Rose after a crack at Turkish football did not work out the way he wanted it to. Oztumer becomes the latest in a host of players guided by the Dulwich boss that have made it either back to or into the professional game. But none have topped this switch for the Hamlet chief.
Rose said: "This is the most satisfying to date just because of the fact that he is 23 and 5ft 3 ins-he has dispelled a myth that you are past it at professional level at 18 or 19 and the issue about his height. He is vey humble and always keen to learn-I'd say that is one of his biggest attirbutes. He was our standout player but always one of the lads. He came back from Turkey and we were his first port of call. He said 'I need to start again because no-one will give me a chance in England because of my stature'."
And Rose is not expecting Oztumer to struggle in making the leap into English football's third tier. Peterborough narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Championship in May as they were beaten in the play-offs by Leyton Orient. But Rose expects his former star to fit right in. "In my eyes I wouldn't have pitched him to League Two clubs because that is too low-that has nothing to do with me," said the Dulwich boss. "I'd have gone Championship or League One. I know it sounds a big jump but the boy's ability is suited to that level of football rather than League Two. I'm not saying he would not have given it a good crack but the cleaner the football is, the better the players are going to be-they are more likely to be on his wavelength. The jump into full-time training also won't take as long as the average non league player because he is already making a lot of sacrifices. He'll just have the catch-up of the days he hasn't been training. His nutirtional habits are absolutely superb and so is his attention to recovery. Mentally he is already there."

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