Ross Turnbull

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Name: Ross Turnbull

Position: Goalkeeper

Number: TBC

Joined From: Middlesbrough

Fee: Bosman transfer

Signed by: Carlo Ancelotti

Age: 24

Signed on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling from Middlesbrough, Ross Turnbull became Carlo Ancelotti's first signing as Chelsea manager in July 2009. A product of the northern club's youth academy, the 24 year old shot-stopper rose to fame at the Riverside Stadium last season by establishing himself as the club's number one following the sale of Mark Schwarzer to Fulham. Towards the end of the season, however, as the team's fragile defence began to leak goals, Turnbull found himself rotated along with Brad Jones for the starting position. The young goalkeeper could only watch from the bench as Jones and Middlesbrough succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Upton Park on the final day of the season, relegating them from the Premier League.

Out of contract and determined to continue his career in the top division in England, Turnbull was long-linked with clubs such as Stoke and Birmingham City before interest from Chelsea was brought to the attention of the media. Turnbull officially joined the club on just the second day of the Summer transfer window.

Though the 24 year old has undeniable talent, he will be hard-pressed to push Petr Cech for the number one jersey, and will therefore battle it out with fans' favourite Henrique Hilario for a position as Cech's understudy. Turnbull certainly has a bright future, and many Chelsea fans hope that future will mostly be spent at SW6. Turnbull made his Chelsea debut in a 2-0 friendly win over Internazionale, replacing Petr Cech in the 62nd minute and preserving the clean sheet with a number of saves.

[flamiejamie 0]

Hilario gets the nod before Turnbull when Cech is injured. Turnbull must feel good about that.

[Term-X 7,891]

if hilario start against liverpool, it shows this signing lacked any real purpose.

other than stopping youth players from joining the first team sub bench for this guy to get paid double what they would expect.

[5354 204]

TBH, he screwed up himself. If not for the poor performances he had in the Reserves, he will probably be in goal.

Well he gotta impressed the coaches before get can probably climb up to second and then.... 

[5354 204]

Alright I feel kinda guilty that he doesn't have a medal.

[Term-X 7,891]

Alright I feel kinda guilty that he doesn't have a medal.

why?

he hasn't made a big enough contribution anyway to deserve one, we only signed him so we would have more english home grown players.

[Kostas 1,468]

why?

he hasn't made a big enough contribution anyway to deserve one, we only signed him so we would have more english home grown players.

I think that's harsh,he was much better than we expected and saved our face in the Inter game.

On the bright side he is better than any Arsenal Goalkeeper

[Liquidator 5,176]

lets be honest he was probably signed as a joke...

[5354 204]

yeah hes better than 'Almunia" and definnitely fabianski...

but i think he needs to gain alot of more experience

[Kostas 1,468]

He had the main attributes a 3rd goalie needs, he was free and homegrown.

OT: What's with the attempts to justify woeful players by comparing them with woeful footballers from other teams we think are shit? This has happened with super subs and now Turnbull, please if you really need to feel superior or big-up our players try to find a stronger case for them.

[TheWilliam 0]

Needs more first team experience, should be loaned out unless hes happy playing 2nd fiddle, its not a terrible way to make a living sitting on the bench for Chelsea.

[termninja 5,290]

He's still better then Arsenal GKs

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

You do realise that if we win against Bayern this guy officially gets a CL medal

[Jase 43,479]

You do realise that if we win against Bayern this guy officially gets a CL medal

Erm, so??

[BlueLion. 21,491]

You do realise that if we win against Bayern this guy officially gets a CL medal

So does Andre Villas-Boas, what's your point?

[manpe 10,855]

Would Alex and Anelka get it too?

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Yes, both featured in at least one game (Bayer Leverkusen at the Bridge) and thus are eligible.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Yes, both featured in at least one game (Bayer Leverkusen at the Bridge) and thus are eligible.

Really?! Ah that's good then! Alex deserves him for that thumping FK v. Liverpool in that 4-4 and Anelka for his services to the club over the last few seasons