Less than one month after Executive Director, Adam Pearson announced his shocking resignation from Leeds United, the woes have continued for the West Yorkshire club, this time, in the form of an injury. Backup
goalkeeper Ross Turnbull has broken his ankle and undergone surgery for repairs.
Turnbull was in training at Thorp Arch last week for a friendly match and is set to be out for almost the rest of the campaign. The 30 year old joined Leeds after a spell with Barnsley and has been a backup to the experienced Marco Silvestri. However, with their poor form (16th in the league), supporters and even some coaches would have liked to see what Turnbull can do for the club throughout the remainder of the season. Turnbull’s only appearance so far for the Whites was in a Capital One Cup match in which United lost to Turnbull’s former club, Doncaster.
Since his surgery, it has been pointed out that Turnbull will be out “long term” but an exact timetable of his return has yet to be determined. As for Leeds boss, Uwe Rösler, he will have decisions to make as to what to do for a backup keeper. At present, the side has starting keeper Silvestri and youngster Charlie Horton, who arrived this summer from Cardiff City. Rösler needs to make a decision on whether or not to find a third (more experienced) keeper through free agency or a season-long loan.
If Rösler decides to keep Charlie Horton as the number two goalkeeper he isn’t in the worst shape. Horton has plenty of hype surrounding him and with a strong showing this season, it could see him wind up in a starting role for the 2016/17 campaign, either for the Whites or someplace else. Until then, 16th place Leeds United are continuing to go through a rough 2015 campaign. Their only wins have come from MK Dons and Derby County, taking 11 points in 10 matches.