Ross Turnbull

Ross Turnbull (born 4 January 1985 in Bishop Auckland, County Durham) is an England Association football goalkeeper who plays for Chelsea F.C. after signing for them on 2 July 2009.

Early life

Ross attended Byerley Park Primary School and Woodham Community Technology College. Ross Turnbull played as a midfielder for Ross Turnbull hometown team Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre AFC but was turned into a goalkeeper by coach Arthur Vickerstaff. Ross Turnbull had trials with North-East sides Darlington F.C. and Sunderland A.F.C. but instead joined Middlesbrough F.C. Academy.

Career

Middlesbrough

After coming through the club's youth ranks, Turnbull signed a professional contract with Middlesbrough F.C. in 2002. Ross Turnbull represented England U20 in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.

In July 2007, it was announced that Turnbull had signed a season long loan deal at Football League Championship side Cardiff City F.C.. Ross Turnbull was signed as a replacement for long-serving Neil Alexander, who left the club after a contract dispute, and began the season as first choice goalkeeper for the club but due to some errors in Ross Turnbull opening games Ross Turnbull was replaced for the 2–2 draw with Preston North End F.C. by Michael Oakes and spent the remainder of Ross Turnbull loan spell on the bench before Ross Turnbull was recalled by Middlesbrough on 5 October 2007 following an injury to second choice keeper Brad Jones (footballer). The recall was made by mutual consent between the teams. After being recalled, Turnbull played in two of Middlesbrough's games in the absence of first choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who had broken Ross Turnbull thumb in training. One was Boro's win over Arsenal at the Riverside Stadium on the 9 December 2007, the score being 2–1.

After more than 11 years with Middlesbrough, Mark Schwarzer left the club during the summer of 2008 to join Fulham F.C.. Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate decided not to buy a new keeper and allow Turnbull and Jones to fight it out for the number one position. Although Jones played the first game of the season, Turnbull was in goal for Middlesbrough's 2–1 defeat at Liverpool F.C. the following week, when Jones injured himself in the warm-up.

Turnbull declined a number of contract offers from Middlesbrough in the 2008–09 season, and informed the club Ross Turnbull would be leaving when Ross Turnbull contract expired at the end of June 2009.

Chelsea

On 2 July 2009, Turnbull joined Chelsea on a free transfer, signing a four-year contract. On the 4 July 2009 Turnbull announced Ross Turnbull would not sit by as a permanent second place to regular starting team Goalkeeper Petr Cech and Ross Turnbull would fight for Ross Turnbull own first team place.

Personal life

Turnbull is married to Nicola. They have a daughter, Maisy, born in 2008. Turnbull is quoted to have said Ross Turnbull works "to put bread and water on the table for them".