Player Profile – Ben Turner 

Ben Turner during his Stocksbridge Park Steels, in a game at his home-town club Worksop Town

Ben Turner was unable to make his Pontefract Collieries at Ossett United last Friday because of suspension but he’s all geared up for the local derby with Frickley Athletic next Monday.

It means Colls fans have not had chance yet to see their recent signing in action.

But here’s an opportunity to learn more about the left-sided player.

Name

Ben Turner 

Age 

30

Current Club 

Pontefract Collieries 

Previous Clubs 

North Ferriby, Frickley, Stocksbridge, Sheff Club, Mickleover, Grantham Town, Worksop Town.

Ben Turner

Position 

Defender 

Day Job 

Refuse Lorry driver 

Best mate in football

James Knowles 

Turner with close friend James Knowles

Team You Support

Sheffield United 

Football Idol

Beckham 

Biggest influence in football

John McGrath, was great to play alongside and then under for the majority of my Non League career, great man management and how he wants to play. Made a difference to how I play and see the game. 

Career Highlight

Turner during his Mansfield Town days

Been part of a FA Trophy Final at Wembley for Mansfield Town 

Most Memorable Game

Wasn’t pretty at Mickleover, we needed to win last game of season to stay up and was losing utill 85th minute and we scored twice in the 90th minute and injury time to stay up. You would of thought we’d won the league with the scenes after the game.

Lowest moment

Coming out of full time football at 21 

Biggest regret

At 21 settled into non league and although it’s been great for me I should of persisted trying to stay in full time football.

Grantham Town is one of Ben Turner’s former clubs

Funniest moment

 if you’ve ever shared a changing room with Brett Lovell you’ll understand or Ben Scott – during a game a random animal noise would appear from the goalkeeper. Or a toss up between Roons (Jamie Rooney) or Jarmo (Jarman) going in goal is up there.

Ben Turner in a Stocksbridge Park Steels team photo. Picture: Peter Revitt
Turner helping in the search of a Sheffield United player’s contact lense

First Non League manager

John Anderson and Neil Allison for North Ferriby. Probably the best footballing side I’ve played for and was a real eye opener for me going there from full time. We lost in the play offs twice in a row but they was great people.

Non League Debut 

North Ferriby vs Worksop in FA Trophy, ended up going to a replay but I’m from the latter so was a good game to get going in.

First Non League Red Card

Ben Turner pictured recently during his time with Worksop Town

Was at Marine away for two silly challenges for North Ferriby and it was Ascot Day so ended up watching the racing in the club house for 45 minutes

Best Non League Goal 

Probably for Frickley, a free kick on my debut 25/30 yards out was a great way to start my spell there.

What do you want to achieve in football in the future? 

Win as many games as possible and keep enjoying it because when that stops there’s no point in playing and now I’m older if I can have an impact on anyone coming up or through then great.

Favourite Non League Ground 

I enjoyed playing at Boston and FC United of Manchester where the fans are so close to the pitch makes the atmosphere so much better.

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Take a look at our previous Player Profiles HERE

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