Turnbull - he's big and that's what matters
The Bluebirds have completed their 7th free transfer in this summer, and second goalkeeper, with the arrival of 22 yr old Ross Turnbull on a season's loan from Premiership Middlesborough. At 6'4", he certainly fits Dave Jones' obvious preference to have big goalkeepers but what of his ability.
Turnbull has played 29 games on loan at Barnsley 3 seasons ago and 23 on another loan at Crewe 2 seasons ago when they were relegated from the Cha,pionship, his final game ironically seeing him beaten by a Jason Koumas beauty at Gresty Road. After that, he played in Middlesborough's last two Premiership games of 2005/06.
An apparent injury last season saw Turnbull's 1st team action limited to one game - an embarrassing 1-0 home defeat to Notts County in the Carling Cup.
His record is not the most inspiring on paper, a clear lack of clean sheets and a few times when he was on the receiving end of a barrage of goals conceded. His 29 games at Crewe saw him beaten 47 times, there is a lack of glowing reference from the Crewe followers, but they were a shockingly uncompetitive side that season.
Hopefully, playing in frotn of a potentially strong defence will show the former England youth keeper in a better light, many City fans will remember the arrival of Gavin Ward, unheard of, at a similar age and height as Turnbull and he went on to become one of the best keepers seen in a City shirt over the past 40 years.
It does however seem to represent a big gamble by Dave Jones and I can only hope he succeeds and he stands to deserve some flak if it goes wrong. For many City fans, the decision not to retain Neil Alexander - undoubtedly one of the Top 4 or 5 Championship keepers last season despite his limitations seem to be based on some grudge by the manager.
His replacements cause genuine concerns that we have weakened in a significant position. David Forde has proved adequate but not special and may be more suited to life in League One or Two than a club supposedly chasing the Premiership golden ticket. Andy Oakes, not good enough to get a game last season and unconvincing so far this season, may be in the same category. It therefore places a burden on Turnbull whom it would appear will be first choice.
Good Luck Ross.
Turnbull has played 29 games on loan at Barnsley 3 seasons ago and 23 on another loan at Crewe 2 seasons ago when they were relegated from the Cha,pionship, his final game ironically seeing him beaten by a Jason Koumas beauty at Gresty Road. After that, he played in Middlesborough's last two Premiership games of 2005/06.
An apparent injury last season saw Turnbull's 1st team action limited to one game - an embarrassing 1-0 home defeat to Notts County in the Carling Cup.
His record is not the most inspiring on paper, a clear lack of clean sheets and a few times when he was on the receiving end of a barrage of goals conceded. His 29 games at Crewe saw him beaten 47 times, there is a lack of glowing reference from the Crewe followers, but they were a shockingly uncompetitive side that season.
Hopefully, playing in frotn of a potentially strong defence will show the former England youth keeper in a better light, many City fans will remember the arrival of Gavin Ward, unheard of, at a similar age and height as Turnbull and he went on to become one of the best keepers seen in a City shirt over the past 40 years.
It does however seem to represent a big gamble by Dave Jones and I can only hope he succeeds and he stands to deserve some flak if it goes wrong. For many City fans, the decision not to retain Neil Alexander - undoubtedly one of the Top 4 or 5 Championship keepers last season despite his limitations seem to be based on some grudge by the manager.
His replacements cause genuine concerns that we have weakened in a significant position. David Forde has proved adequate but not special and may be more suited to life in League One or Two than a club supposedly chasing the Premiership golden ticket. Andy Oakes, not good enough to get a game last season and unconvincing so far this season, may be in the same category. It therefore places a burden on Turnbull whom it would appear will be first choice.
Good Luck Ross.
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