Career
Turnbull started his career in the youth system of Hartlepool United, and after spending a period on loan with Gateshead he made his Hartlepool debut in 2006. Following a loan with Blyth Spartans he was released by Hartlepool in 2007, before signing for Conference Premier side York City. Born in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, Turnbull is the twin brother of midfielder Stephen Turnbull.
Hartlepool United
He began to establish himself in the reserve team over the next couple of years, while still with the youth team
He joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Gateshead on loan in December 2005, making his debut in a 0–0 home draw with Radcliffe Borough on 17 December 2005. He made five appearances before returning to Hartlepool in February 2006.
He was given his first professional contract with Hartlepool on 4 July 2006. He made his first, and only, appearance for Hartlepool"s first team after he started in the 3–1 defeat of League One Rotherham United in the Football League Trophy first round on 17 October 2006.
He joined Blyth Spartans of the Conference North on a one-month loan on 22 January 2007 and made 12 appearances for the club
He was released by Hartlepool in May 2007. York City
He was signed by Conference Premier club York City on 7 July 2007. A dislocated shoulder picked up in a pre-season friendly against Frickley Athletic in July 2007 resulted in a six-month lay-off with injury.
His York debut came on 12 January 2008 as a 66th-minute substitute in York"s 0–0 draw at home to Grays Athletic in the FA Trophy second round.
Gateshead
Having failed to establish himself in the York team under manager Colin Walker, Turnbull rejoined Gateshead on a one-month loan in February 2008 and made his debut against Witton Albion. He agreed a permanent contract with Gateshead on 11 March 2008 after he was released by New York
He agreed a new one-year contract with the club in May 2012 to cover the 2012-2013 season. Turnbull made his 300th appearance for Gateshead on 21 December 2013 in a 2–4 defeat at Luton Town.
Turnbull was called into the England under-18 squad in September 2004.
Turnbull plays as a central midfielder and is comfortable playing with either foot. He has been described as fiercely competitive and "is more than capable of getting forward to support the front men and chipping in with his fair share of goals".
