ERHUN Oztumer will be eyeing the bright lights of Villa Park, the Hawthorns and the Britannia Stadium when the fixtures are released in his first-ever Championship campaign tomorrow.

There are plenty in the game who believe the diminutive playmaker deserves his shot, and some who feel he can go a step further. Yet among the many good luck messages and testimonials which came in his way on social media when he penned a two-year deal at the Macron Stadium, one stood out above all others.

Dulwich Hamlet, one of London’s oldest football clubs, still consider him a member of the family. And the feeling is mutual.

It is just six years since Oztumer returned from a spell in Turkish football looking to revive his career in the capital’s rich non-league scene. A penalty against Godalming Town on his debut was the first of 27 goals scored that season, and 60 over the course of two years.

But the relationship between the midfielder and club extends further than that.

Greenwich-born Oztumer had been released by Charlton Athletic as a 16-year-old for being too small – a criticism he now wears as a badge of pride. As a teen, however, it nearly meant a premature end to his love of football.

Thankfully – for Wanderers and the clubs he went on to represent – he was picked up by the Aspire Academy, an organisation set up by former Charlton academy players Gavin Rose and Junior Kadi in 2002 which traditionally helps youth from Brixton, Lewisham, Peckham and the surrounding areas by keeping them in education and offering quality football coaching.

Oztumer completed a sports and recreation qualification and in 2008 looked towards Turkey, playing for three years outside the top division.

On his return to the UK, Rose would once again offer him a platform at Champion Hill. Two goal-laden campaigns and one Ryman South League title later he attracted the attention of ex-Bolton man Barry Fry at Peterborough United, and a move which would finally catapult him into league football at the age of 24.

“It made me a better player and a better man,” Oztumer said of his time at Dulwich. “I can’t describe what the club means to me.”

Oztumer’s stock continued to rise – his form over two seasons at London Road leading to a move to Walsall where he replaced Romaine Sawyers.

The flood of endorsements continued at the Banks’s Stadium. Joe Massi, Saddlers reporter for the Express and Star, has little doubt he will continue to shine at Championship level.

“He’s got absolutely everything going for him,” he said. “His close control is unbelievable, he’s lethal from 20 yards and his set pieces are superb.

“No-one should be in the slightest bit worried about his height. He’s used it to his advantage and because of that low centre of gravity he can hold on to the ball.

“I’ve even seen him score a couple of goals with his head.”

An out-and-out number 10, Oztumer was able to thrive in a Walsall team which became steadily more direct between the tenures of Dean Smith, Jon Whitney and Dean Keates.

“He is a clever player,” added Massi. “If he has someone up there as a target and can pick up those second balls around the edge of the box, it will suit him down to the ground.”

Oztumer is determined to show his meteoric rise has not reached its zenith.

“I honestly know I can make a difference for Bolton,” he told us in a recent interview.

“I have been on this incredible journey but I don’t feel like it’s over. It can get even better, I know it.”

In contrast to his personal success, however, Dulwich’s plight has been more concerning.

The club gained promotion to National League South last season and celebrate their 125th anniversary this year but the future of the club has been cast in continual doubt as a row between landlords Meadow Residential and Southwark Council continues to boil over.

They will start this season kicked out of their traditional home and playing their games at nearby Tooting and Mitcham.