Central midfielder Phil Turnbull is described as fiercely competitive player and joined the club along with ex-teammate Craig Baxter in 2021. Having started out at Hartlepool United before joining York City, with loan spells at Blyth Spartans and Gateshead. A permanent move to Gateshead in 2008 saw him play over 300 games for the Tynesiders and he played a vital role in the National League season which saw the Heed reach Wembley.

In a 7-season spell, which included two successive promotions, the club eventually moved up to The National League and he became a firm favourite at The International Stadium before moving to Darlington in 2015 where he would gain promotion to The National League North in his first season.

A move to his hometown club South Shields 2018 saw Turnbull continue his good form. He has been key to the recent playing success at South Shields but with the club moving to full time Chris Swailes wasted no time in bringing the vastly experienced and talented midfielder to the UTS Stadium. 

He scooped a number of awards at the end of the 2022/23 season following a superb season, including the Fred Foulis Committee Player of the Season award.

Landmarks

Debut - Brighouse Town 0-0 Dunston UTS (NPL East | 14th August 2021)

First Goal - Dunston UTS 4-0 Worksop Town (NPL East | 15th January 2022)

50th appearance - Stockton Town 1-2 Dunston UTS (NPL East | 15th October 2022)

100th appearance - Dunston UTS 4-1 Ashington (NPL East | 3rd February 2024)

150th appearance - Sherwood Colliery 1-2 Dunston UTS (NPL East | 22nd February 2025)

200th appearance - Blyth Spartans 2-0 Dunston UTS (NPL East | 21st February 2026)