After making the move from South Shields in May 2021, 'Twinny' made his debut for the club on August 14th 2021 in 0-0 draw away at Brighouse Town. Since then, he has been an ever-present in the Dunston midfield, and has continued to show his qualities in the middle of the park at the age of 38. 

Turnbull marked his 150th appearance for the club away at Sherwood Colliery on Saturday with a superb assist, setting up JJ O'Donnell who pulled Dunston level. O'Donnell added a second from the penalty spot midway through the second half which saw the club return to winning ways.

Image Credit: Eric Murphy "I think we showed good character to come back from a goal down," Turnbull said.

"We've hit a bit of a small rough patch and a few things seem to go against you, so it was really important to get three points on the table and that is what we managed to achieve. We are into 4th place now and our objective is to stay there as a minimum from now till the end of the season.

"And to get to 150 games for the club is a great achievement. If I'm honest, when I signed for Dunston I probably thought I had one or two seasons left in me. But, I have been fortunate to play in a really competitive team, and in particular with Micky P and Robbo who have really complimented me and allowed me to keep playing.

"Dunston is a great club. I've honestly loved it from minute one. There is a great group of humans involved from the committee, media team, management team, and the players. I've really enjoyed the twilight years of my career playing here, I couldn't have asked for more, and a promotion would be great," he added.

Turnbull also spoke on what has been an up and down month on the pitch. After winning five games in a row prior to February, Dunston kicked off the month with a 4-3 home defeat against Bishop Auckland. Dunston also suffered defeats away at Heaton Stannington and Brighouse, and drew at home against Liversedge. The win on Saturday away at Sherwood Colliery was Dunston's second victory of the month after a 3-2 home win against Bridlington on February 15th.

"The table doesn't lie at this stage of the season and it is probably a true reflection of where we should be. We are a good side, but at times we haven't finished teams off or scored the goals we should have, and that has cost us points," he said.

"Any team who loses a player like Jack Maskell will miss that influence but, to be fair, we have had a lot of goals scored by others all over the pitch, so long may that continue."

Despite the departure of Jack Maskell, Jon McDonald and Dunston have recruited well over the course of the season. That includes the arrival of JJ O'Donnell in October and the former Luton, Gateshead, and Blyth Spartans man has been unstoppable in front of goal, netting 13 times in 18 starts. A player that Turnbull knows well from their time at Gateshead together.

O'Donnell & Turnbull at Heaton
Credit: Eric Murphy"I obviously know JJ well. I spoke with Jon quite a bit when he mentioned that he was interested in bringing him in, and there was only good things to say. 

"Firstly, he's a good lad, so I knew he would fit into the changing room, and secondly, he has great quality and an eye for goal, so I knew he would be a good fit for us which has been proved to be very true - I bet he didn't even think he would have the impact he has had. He has been brilliant and he couldn't have done much more really," Turnbull said.

There has also been the recent arrival of 19-year-old midfielder, Rory Edwards. The former Crystal Palace Academy product played alongside Turnbull as he made his first start for the club on Saturday afternoon. A game where Edwards shone throughout and put in an impressive display.

"Rory has came in and has been a breath of fresh around the place," Turnbull said.

"He is a really well-mannered lad, intelligent, and a very good human being. He's got a very wise head on his shoulders for such a young age. I was delighted for him on Saturday because he had a really good performance. He showed big character because, when we went a goal down, he could have went into hiding, but he kept looking for the ball and was tenacious out of possession too.

"He has been top class in training and he has forced Jon's hand to put him into the team with what he has been doing. The club have got a couple of young gems on their hands and he is one of them for sure," he added.

Although Turnbull has yet to get in on the goal scoring act this season, and has yet to score in almost three years, the midfield maestro is more the man to create the goals. Turnbull has produced a remarkable 17 assists in his 29 starts this season. He is joint top for goal involvements alongside JJ O'Donnell - a ridiculous stat considering all of Turnbull's goal involvements have been solely assists. 

"Yeah, 17 is a decent return so far and hopefully there's many more to come at the business end of the season. We have good players in the side who are especially aggressive in both boxes. So, knowing my delivery is right, they have the desire and quality to get on the end of things and finish chances." Turnbull said.

Credit: Eric Murphy

To conclude, Turnbull spoke about last season's gutting play-off final defeat at Stockton Town, and the aims for the remainder of the season with 12 games to go.

"Missing out like we did last year in the play-off final left a sour taste, especially the manner in which we lost the game. It kind of feels like unfinished business and I know both myself, and the club, are desperate to right the wrongs and gain promotion this season. It would be a great achievement and something I believe the club as a whole deserves," he said.

"The key to promotion now would be consistency. Jon has done an incredible job to put this squad of players together, his track record for recruitment has been unbelievable. We just need to take it one game at a time and see where our results get us.

"If it's not winning the league, which might be a bit unrealistic now, then we have to arrive at the play-offs with good momentum and then be ruthless in the play-off games and see where it takes us. Knowing Dunston, it will be a good ride for the supporters no doubt!"

With 12 massive games to go, Dunston make the long trip to North Derbyshire tomorrow night to take on Sheffield FC. On Saturday, Dunston return home to the UTS Stadium as we take on second place Emley in a crucial game to kick-off March. 

Your support would be greatly appreciated by everyone at the club as we look to finish the season as strongly as possible.

NEXT HOME GAME: Dunston UTS vs Emley | Saturday March 1st | 3pm kick-off | Adults (£10) Concessions and students (£6) U16 (£3) | Cash or card payments on the gate

By Callum Pattison