Boss grabs Bull by the horns

Last updated : 12 August 2004 By Andy Parsons

No-one had ever heard of Bullen when he first came to Hillsborough from Dunfermline in the summer but he is set to become one of the new crowd favourites.

Against Colchester, the Scot looked lively down the right-hand side and because of an injury to Paul Heckingbottom; he had to play left-back against Blackpool.

But playing in different positions does not seem to faze the friendly 33-year-old, as he has played in central defence in pre-season and also made his name as a midfielder and even a striker.

And despite Turner wanting a good, steady pro for the squad, he says that Bullen was signed mainly because of his adaptation to new positions.

Wednesday’s manager says: "When we first saw Lee Bullen play in Scotland, he played left wing-back, bombing up and down the left-hand side putting crosses in with his left foot despite him being a right-footed player so we thought he would have been ideal for us doing the same thing on the right.

"But we also know he can play centre-half as he has done in pre-season, left-back and in attack – as was the case with the way he finished against Blackpool."

Meanwhile Paul Smith will be transferred when it suits the club and Turner added that if he plays like he did against Blackpool, he could easily play himself into first-team contention again despite the signing of Chris Brunt and the return to fitness of Richard Evans.

Look out for exclusive chats with Guy Branston and Patrick Collins tomorrow and Saturday.