The news that there is a contract on offer for David Turnbull from Celtic is hardly surprising. It’s one that makes sense for all involved in this situation. The Scottish international hasn’t had the easiest of rides through injuries and minor ailments, but that does not mean there isn’t a really good footballer in there just waiting to be developed with some time and coaching.
Turnbull broke onto the scene at Motherwell and looked to be the next big thing in Scottish football. So much so, that Neil Lennon made a move for the Steelmen’s best player the summer he came back to Celtic Park. Of course, an issue with his medical flagged up and the player didn’t make the move to Parkhead, but instead had to wait the year after until he got his dream switch – pulling out of a deal with Norwich City in the process.
He offered a slim flicker of hope and brighter prospects for the future during one of the poorest seasons in the club’s 136-year unbroken history during the Covid Cup debacle without any fans involved as spectators.
Although many argued it was all too little, too late from a man who was headed for the exit door at a rapid rate in Neil Lennon. However, David did provide sparks of creativity that suggested he could be a real player for this club down the road.
After Lennon’s departure and the introduction of Ange Postecoglou to proceedings, David played a major role in the team alongside Tom Rogic and captain, Callum McGregor, in the first six months or so of the Greek-Aussie’s reign as Celtic boss.
He was a real integral part to that midfield three under Ange and was desperately unfortunate to get injured in the League Cup Final against Hibs in 2021 – the first trophy of many for the former Australia head coach.
His consequent absence from the side allowed others to get in and stake their claim for a regular starting spot that January transfer window. Matt O’Riley arrived from MK Dons, whilst Reo Hatate was signed from Kawasaki Frontale in his native Japan. Both men would go on to have pivotal roles in the securing of our League Crown back at the first time of asking, making it ten titles in eleven years for the club.
It’s been hard-going ever since for the Scottish midfielder, who really needs a run of games to get himself back up to where he once was before that injury a couple of seasons ago.
With Reo Hatate out for the foreseeable future right now with another unfortunate hamstring tear, David has the best chance he’s had in a long time to go and really stake his claim to be a regular starter at Celtic Park for Brendan Rodgers.
There’s no denying it will be a difficult task, but then again, nobody thought that Liam Scales would be a regular starter either. So it’s there for the taking if he wants it badly enough.
Judging by the looks of it, he does. He also has a point to prove too; not only to the supporters and media, but to himself as well. I believe this is why it makes sense for him to sign a new deal with us right now.
If he leaves at present, he’ll most likely be viewed as a failure to many and won’t be able to attract the kind of club that he would hope for down in England.
Now, if he stays and rediscovers that form that looked frightening under Postecoglou for a short while, and he can gain confidence and with it, consistency, he would be catching the eye again. Thus, giving Celtic yet more security in terms of sellable assets within the playing squad. Not to mention the need for Scottish players from Celtic’s point-of-view with European registration rules.
So it’s a good deal for all involved.
Paul Gillespie
🐂 David Turnbull has been named in the @spfl @cinchuk #TOTW! 👏#CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/ZaFTZ54hsx
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 7, 2023
