Chris Turner

Background

Turner was born in Burnley and educated at Street Theodore"s Remote Control High School in the town.

Career

He currently plays for Northern Premier League Division One North side Padiham. He started his footballing career as a seven-year-old with local junior side Brierfield Celtic, and later Street Joseph"s in Accrington. In 2009, Turner joined the youth system at Burnley.

Turner spent seven years in the Centre of Excellence, until, he was released at under-16 level for being too small.

He was then invited for a trial at Accrington Stanley, where he successfully started a two-year scholarship scheme with the club in 2006. Turner made his professional debut whilst still a scholar in February 2008, coming on as a substitute for Jay Harris in the 2–0 home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in Football League Two.

On completion of his scholarship in April 2010, Turner signed his first professional contract with the club on a one-year deal. After making 22 appearances in his debut season as a professional, Turner signed a new two-year contract in June 2009.

Turner struggled to cement a first team place in the side and in May 2011 his contract expired, and he was released after Stanley"s Football League Two play-offs exit.

Turner went on to make a total of three appearances for the club in all competitions. In November 2011, Turner was on the move again, joining National Physical Laboratory Premier Division side Worksop Town. However, he left the club without playing a match due to travel impracticalities.

Shortly after leaving Worksop, Turner moved to division rivals Burscough on a free transfer.

Turner"s stay at Burscough was again short lived and he left the club in January 2012 with the club retaining his non-contract registration. In February 2012, he signed for Conference Premier side Barrow, after impressing during pre-season friendlies.

Turner made five league appearances for the club, but was released in March 2012. He finished the campaign with National Physical Laboratory Premier Division side Stocksbridge Park Steels signing for the club in March.

In November 2012, Turner signed for North West Counties Football League Division One side Nelson, going on to make 24 appearances in his debut season, scoring five times.

In March 2013, Nelson turned down approaches from Conference North side Droylsden and NWCFL Premier Division side Padiham for Turner"s services. In May 2013, Turner penned a new one-year contract with the Admirals and was made club captain. In November 2013, Turner left Nelson having scored five goals in a total of 43 appearances scoring six times, moving on to newly promoted National Physical Laboratory Division One North side Padiham.

Achievements

• Turner scored his first professional goal for the club in October 2009, in the 4–0 win over Cheltenham Town. Turner went on to score a crucial equaliser in a 2–1 win over Doncaster Rovers in the Football League Cup, taking Stanley through to the next round to play Premier League side Newcastle United. In September 2011, Turner dropped into the non-league with Northern Premier League First Division North side Clitheroe, making his debut in a 4–0 FA Cup win over Skelmersdale United. He went straight into the starting line-up for the 3–0 win over Kettering Town.