We can breathe fire - Turner

May 20 2007 Simon Roberts, Wales on Sunday

PAUL TURNER has called on the Dragons Board to back his side in the Heineken Cup.

The Dragons coach saw his side qualify for next season's Heineken Cup on Friday night.

Turner's side mounted a stirring comeback and recorded a 22-15 victory over Italian outfit Calvisano at Rodney Parade.

Paul Emerick, the Dragons' American centre, scored the critical try to secure the club's place in European rugby's premier tournament.

Turner now wants his bosses to spend some money to strengthen a depleted squad.

He fears if there are no new signings, the Dragons could really suffer against European rugby's big guns.

"We have to look at some investment to bring in the right sort of player here to play in the main competition," said Turner.

"The kids have done well this season but the European Challenge Cup was a good competition to develop a squad.

"The Heineken Cup is a different kettle of fish.

"Having lost Ian Gough, Gareth Cooper and Aled and Nathan Brew, we need to dip into the market."

The Dragons are the subject of a possible takeover by a consortium of Gwent businessmen. Their proposals include a £2.5 investment and a proposed new state-of-the-art stadium in Newport.

Turner has welcomed the takeover move and warns a lack of investment is not an option.

During his stint as a coach with NEC Harlequins, the Guinness Premiership side were relegated after a failure to strengthen a small squad.

"The staff have done all they can do this season by getting into the European Cup, and it is up to other people to make decisions now."