Sutton-based hurdler Andy Turner is eyeing a return to athletics’ inner circle after burying the hatchet with UKA chief Charles van Commenee.

The 29-year-old looked to have burned his bridges with UK Athletics after reacting furiously to his lottery funding being withdrawn in January.

Turner, who claimed Commonwealth and European bronze in 2006, finished the 2009 season as British and European number one over 110m after clocking 13.30 seconds in June.

And after holding clear the air talks with Van Commenee ahead of August’s World Championships, Turner is confident of seeing his bank balance boosted in the New Year.

“It’s no secret that Charles and I had our differences when he first came in,” said Turner.

“I was having my funding cut and I was very angry about it, but I have a lot of respect for him now.

“We didn’t speak much until I went to the warm-weather training camp in Portugal and we sat down and had a frank discussion.

“We both got a lot of things off our chests and that had to happen because I was extremely frustrated and he was the man making the decisions.

“He is a hard man, but I think he’s a fair man as well.

“I had a phone call from him a few days ago and he said that they were reviewing my funding and they would let me know in a few weeks.

“I am feeling pretty confident that UK Sport will fund me again – I have run the best time in Britain and the best time in Europe this year so I think I’ve put forward a good case.”

An injured hamstring saw Turner fail to progress beyond the heats at the World Championship.

Shorn of his funding, the reigning British champion was forced to follow a jam-packed summer schedule in a bid to fund his injury-hit career.

But with a return to the sport’s top table on the cards, Turner is targeting double gold in 2010.

“It’s a huge year with the Europeans and the Commonwealths,” added Turner.

“I want to win the European Championships. I was number one in Europe last year and I’m determined to win gold there.

“If I want to do that and the Commonwealths then my schedule will need a bit of juggling but I have fond memories of the Commonwealths and will be aiming for the top of the podium there too.

“By the time Berlin came round this year I had competed in 15 to 18 events and that was too many – but I had no choice, I couldn’t afford not to.

“Hopefully next year I won’t have to do that and I can turn up to both properly prepared and ready to win.”

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