kids encyclopedia robot

Ross Turnbull facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Ross Turnbull
Ross Turnbull cropped.jpg
Turnbull with Middlesbrough in 2009
Personal information
Date of birth (1985-01-04) 4 January 1985 (age 40)
Place of birth Bishop Auckland, England
Height 1.93 m
Playing position Goalkeeper
Youth career
0000–2002 Middlesbrough
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2009 Middlesbrough 27 (0)
2003 Darlington (loan) 1 (0)
2004 Barnsley (loan) 3 (0)
2004 Bradford City (loan) 2 (0)
2004–2005 Barnsley (loan) 23 (0)
2005–2006 Crewe Alexandra (loan) 29 (0)
2007 Cardiff City (loan) 6 (0)
2009–2013 Chelsea 7 (0)
2013–2014 Doncaster Rovers 28 (0)
2014–2015 Barnsley 22 (0)
2015–2017 Leeds United 0 (0)
Total 148 (0)
National team
2000 England U16 1 (0)
2001–2002 England U17 4 (0)
2002–2003 England U18 5 (0)
2003–2004 England U19 8 (0)
  • Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).

Ross Turnbull, born on January 4, 1985, is an English former professional footballer. He played as a goalkeeper for many years. From 2002 to 2015, he played in 148 league games. He was part of teams like Middlesbrough, Chelsea, Crewe Alexandra, and Doncaster Rovers. Ross also played for the England U19 national team.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Ross Turnbull grew up in Bishop Auckland, England. He went to Byerley Park Primary School. Later, he attended Woodham Community Technology College. When he was young, Ross played football for his hometown team. He started as a midfielder for Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre AFC. However, his coach, Arthur Vickerstaff, saw his talent. He helped Ross become a goalkeeper. Ross tried out for other teams like Darlington and Sunderland. But he decided to join Middlesbrough's youth academy instead.

Ross Turnbull's Football Career

Playing for Middlesbrough

Ross Turnbull joined Middlesbrough's youth team. He signed his first professional contract in 2002. He even played for the England U20 team. This was during the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Ross Turnbull Middlesbrough v. Chelsea 1
Turnbull playing for Middlesbrough in 2008

In 2007, Ross went on loan to Cardiff City. This meant he played for Cardiff for a short time. He was meant to be their main goalkeeper. But after a few mistakes, he became a substitute. Middlesbrough called him back early in October 2007. This happened because their second-choice goalkeeper got injured. Ross then played a few games for Middlesbrough. He filled in when their main goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, was hurt. One of these games was a big 2–1 win against Arsenal.

After many years, Mark Schwarzer left Middlesbrough in 2008. The team's manager, Gareth Southgate, decided not to buy a new goalkeeper. He wanted Ross and another keeper, Brad Jones, to compete for the main spot. Ross played in a game against Liverpool when Jones got injured. In June 2009, Ross decided to leave Middlesbrough. He turned down a new contract offer.

Time at Chelsea

On July 2, 2009, Ross Turnbull joined Chelsea. He moved for free and signed a four-year contract. Ross said he wouldn't just sit on the bench. He wanted to fight for a starting spot. His first game for Chelsea's main team was in the League Cup. He came on as a substitute against Bolton Wanderers. Chelsea won that game 4–0.

Ross Turnbull 4471
Turnbull warming up for Chelsea in 2010

Ross also played his first UEFA Champions League game. It was a 2–2 draw against APOEL. He made his first Premier League appearance against West Ham United. This happened because the main goalkeepers were injured. Chelsea won that game 4–1. He also played against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

In 2010, Chelsea won the FA Cup. Ross received a winner's medal, even though he didn't play in the final. He didn't play enough league games to get a Premier League medal that season.

During the 2011–12 season, Ross played more. In a League Cup game against Fulham, he saved a penalty during the game. He also saved two penalties in the shootout. This helped Chelsea win and move to the next round. He was sent off in another League Cup game against Everton. But Chelsea still won. He also saved a penalty from Andy Carroll in a quarter-final match against Liverpool. Towards the end of the season, Ross played in two Premier League games. This was so the main goalkeeper could rest for the Champions League final. Ross got a medal when Chelsea won the Champions League.

Ross left Chelsea on June 30, 2013. He had been with the club for four years.

Playing for Doncaster Rovers

On July 31, 2013, Ross joined Doncaster Rovers. They were a newly promoted team in the Championship league. He played his first game for them, but they lost 3–1. Ross had some good games for Doncaster in 2013. He even saved a penalty in a match against Barnsley. In early 2015, Ross had calf injuries. He had to rest for a few weeks. He returned to play in a reserve game. But he didn't play for the main team again that season. This was because another goalkeeper was playing very well.

Return to Barnsley

Ross Turnbull January 2015
Turnbull with Barnsley in January 2015

On July 23, 2014, Ross signed a two-year contract with Barnsley. This was his third time playing for the club. He made his debut for Barnsley in September 2014. In December 2014, he was sent off in a game against Leyton Orient. This happened because he handled the ball outside the penalty area. Barnsley still won that game. Ross missed the rest of the 2014–15 season. He had back surgery in March 2015.

Time at Leeds United

Ross Turnbull signed a two-year contract with Leeds United on July 15, 2015. He said he wanted to compete for the main goalkeeper spot. He was given the number 22 shirt. On August 12, 2015, Ross played his first game for Leeds. It was against his old club, Doncaster Rovers, in the League Cup. Leeds lost the game after a penalty shootout. In October 2015, Ross broke his ankle during training. This ended his season. By September 2016, Ross was no longer playing for the main team. He trained with the under-23 team. Leeds United released him on May 17, 2017.

Coaching Career

After finishing his playing career, Ross Turnbull started coaching. He first worked for Leeds United. He was an analyst for opposing goalkeepers. In 2017, he moved to Chelsea for a similar role.

In March 2018, Ross joined Hartlepool United as a volunteer goalkeeper coach. Later, this became a full-time job. He left Hartlepool in 2021. He took on a scouting role with his former club, Chelsea.

Personal Life

Ross Turnbull went to Woodham Community Technology College. He has a daughter named Maisy, who was born in 2008. He also has a son named Josh.

Honours

Chelsea

Individual

kids search engine
Ross Turnbull Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.