Turan take the long-term view

In the summer of 2004, Turan appointed Turkish coach Naci Sensoy and made it clear that they were out to win local titles, hiring a clutch of strong local players as well as foreign talent in the form of Bulgarian midfielder Asen Nikolov and Ukrainian striker Serhiy Skachenko.

A fourth-placed finish in 2004/05 marked a disappointing return on their investment, and after the first half of the 2005/06 season changes were made with distinguished players like Elshan Poladov, Aftandil Gajiev, Aikhan Abbasov, Jamal Mamedov, Romal Guseynov and Nadir Nabiyev leaving the club.

Sensoy also moved on with his assistant Sakit Alyev taking his place. Ten games into the current season, they are tenth in the Azeri table, but even though fans are used to better league positions, the club's new focus on encouraging local talent has been greeted with good grace.

Historically, Tovuz has been a hotbed of Azeri footballing talent with many members of the powerful PFC Neftchi side of the Soviet era hailing from the city. Tovuz-born players continue to play a role in the national team, but Turan are hoping that even more local stars will get opportunities in the future.

"We are building for the future and it is already starting to pay off," said chief executive Yashar Sultanov. "Our youngsters have started to get chances instead of foreign players. We are working for the good of Azeri football. I am sure in the future our boys will join the national team as well."

Sultanov's predictions are already coming true. The 19-year-old midfielder Elvin Mamedov has recently been called up to the senior national team and has been signed by Sensoy at his new club, Turkish side Istanbulspor AZ. More Turan talents are expected to make similar moves in the winter.

"When I worked at Turan, I encouraged young players by not making a distinction between the first and second teams," said Sensoy. "Many foreign coaches worked in Azerbaijan before but left nothing behind them. The team is on the right track now. I also helped Sakit Aliyev to grow as a coach."

Experienced Azeri players Etimad Gurbanov and Eltay Aslanov continue to aid the Turan cause along with two foreigners - veteran Georgian defender Irakli Vashakidze and young Nigerian forward Viktor Ibekoyi. However, the majority of players are locals, the youngest of whom, Gabil Eyubov, is just 14.

"We did not gamble on instant success," said Sultanov. "We have ten coaches working with young talents across the province. We are sure this is the right way and it will yield long-term benefits for the club." Azeri supporters may have reason to thank them for it in the future. UEFA