Thread: Chelsea sign Boro's Turnbull

Chelsea set to make shock swoop for Boro's Turnbull

Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a shock swoop for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who is available on a free transfer.



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Turnbull is a free agent.

Turnbull rejected an offer of a new deal at 'Boro and is set to sign alongside Russian star Yuri Zhirkov and Manchester City's Daniel Sturridge, though a tribunal will need to set the fee for the young City striker after the clubs failed to compromise over the compensation due.

Middlesbrough confirmed Turnbull would be leaving the club last month, with Boro chief executive Keith Lamb claiming the 24-year-old wanted to leave in order to play regular first-team football.

"Ross has written and told us that he's rejected our contract offers and he will be free from the end of June to join whichever club he chooses," Lamb told the club's official website. "We didn't want Ross to leave, we've been negotiating with him and his agent for the last eight months. We felt he had a future at Middlesbrough and we made him a number of offers over the last 12 months.

"They were exceptional offers for a goalkeeper who has played less than 30 games for Middlesbrough's first team. Each one was rejected by Ross and his advisors and consequently he has now informed us that it is his intention to pursue his career elsewhere.

"The reason Ross consistently gave us (for not signing) was that he wanted to play regular first-team football.

"I assume Ross will be going to a club where he will get regular first-team football. But we don't know who that club will be, time alone will tell. We wish him well and hope it works out for him."

If Turnbull does sign for Chelsea he will play as reserve to established number one Petr Cech, while the future of Portuguese keeper Henrique Hilario now looks unsure.

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First of all, Turnbull has impressed me with some excellent saves this season. I dunno his overall performance, but judging by the impression he left me from United's matches against Boro, I think Boro are unlucky to lose him. I think the real reason for his departure is Boro going down to The Championship.

Secondly, he wants to play first team football and he (reportedly) has chosen Chelsea. Are you f*ckin kidding me? How the hell would he play every game at Bridge?!

Chelsea sign Boro goalkeeper Turnbull

Chelsea have signed Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull on a free transfer to provide back up to Czech Republic international Petr Cech.



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Ross Turnbull: Back in the Premier League

The 24-year-old, who made 29 senior appearances for Boro in the Premier League, signed a deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge for four years.

Boro announced at the end of the 2008/9 season that Turnbull would be leaving The Riverside Stadium when his contract expired on June 30.

The former England youth international spent much of his time with Middlesbrough out on loan, making 67 appearences during spells at Darlington, Bradford City, Barnsley and Crewe Alexandra.

Turnbull will now fight it out with 33-year-old Portuguese goalkeeper Hilario, who recently signed a new two-year contract with the Blues, to be second choice behind Cech.


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It's official now.. I think it's a very good signing for Sea.. I expect to see Turnbull turn up in the FA and Carling Cup matches...

"The reason Ross consistently gave us (for not signing) was that he wanted to play regular first-team football.

Pathetic excuse. He was in for the money. And a couple games a season. What an idiot.

Is he really that good? I mean he had a very hard time holding down the number one spot at Boro with competition for Brad Jones, who is ok, but not great.

And I mean, he can forget seeing much first team action as long as Cech is at the club.

Originally Posted by mg91

Is he really that good? I mean he had a very hard time holding down the number one spot at Boro with competition for Brad Jones, who is ok, but not great.

And I mean, he can forget seeing much first team action as long as Cech is at the club.

Well that's just it. Teams with star keepers usually have a backup that is alright.

While Cech simply isn't the keeper he use to be, he's still Chelsea's number 1. There will be absolutely no way he'll contest and I'm he knows that.

Turnbull will get the odd EPL start and probably a few matches in the Carling/FA Cup.

Not a bad move on Chelsea's part and Turnbull can only get better from this move. He'll be playing alongside world class players and coaches. Hopefully he ceases the opportunity.

Originally Posted by Ole

It's all for the new Champions League rules that I keep hearing about.

Need to have a certain amount of English players in the team now, I presume that's the reasons for Liverpool signing Johnson, United signing Owen etc.

How different are these rules compared to current ones? Today a CL squad must include 8 players trained in the country and 4 "home grown" players (has spent 4 years at the club between the ages of 16 and 23 or something).