Career
Turnbull started his career at First Division Aston Villa in September 1966. The club was relegated into the Second Division in 1966-1967, and then into the Third Division at the end of the 1969-1970 campaign. Around this time, he was loaned out to Halifax Town, playing seven league games.
Despite the club"s decline, Villa managed to reach the final of the League Cup in 1971.
Turnbull was in the first eleven for the Wembley final played in front of 100,000 spectators. Villa lost out 2–0 to Tottenham Hotspur after two late goals from Martin Chivers.
The "Villans" built on their cup run however, and were promoted in 1971-1972 after finishing top of the Third Division. Turnbull was forced to retire due to injury in 1974, after 183 appearances and 3 goals for Aston Villa in all competitions. with Aston Villa.