Scunthorpe Utd: Chief scout Turnbull sad as role axed
SCUNTHORPE United's chief scout Lee Turnbull has confessed his 'disappointment' at being axed from his role at Glanford Park.
And while he will stay on as chief executive of the club's Community Trust, he will now consider his football options.
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SHOCK DECISION: Lee Turnbull has lost his job as United’s chief scout.
Turnbull is not likely to be short of offers to do scouting work elsewhere after being a part-time member of the Iron's management team for the past six seasons.
And one of those offers could well come from former United boss Nigel Adkins, who moved to take change at Southampton 10 months ago.
"I am disappointed to be leaving the role, but I fully understand the circumstances behind it," said Turnbull, who first joined United as a player back in 1994 and was a team-mate of Alan Knill.
"I am not going to bad-mouth the club because I have been with them for 15 years and they have looked after me.
"But I have been proud to have been part of a successful management team here for the past six seasons and be involved on the recruitment side which has also been successful.
"Football is my life and I like nothing better than going to watch games and watch players.
"It is something I hope to be able to continue doing, but I now have to consider my options.
"I must have been doing something right because my phone has not stopped ringing."
Turnbull confirmed he will be staying on as chief executive of the Community Trust.
"I am quite proud of what we have achieved with that in the last dozen or so years," he said.
"I will still be around Glanford Park."
But not being involved in the management side of things, even only on a part-time basis, will be a big blow to Turnbull who has a deep affection for the club.
He has three times been involved in a caretaker management team at United – when Adkins and Ian Baraclough were first appointed and then just four months ago before Knill came in as the boss following the latter's sacking.
It was during that last transition he first voiced doubts about his own position.
"If a new man comes in and was to go with his own people, I would have to respect that," Turnbull declared.
"I would however turn around and probably let him know what I've done at this football club since I have been here."
10 Comments
by stevemillson
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 1:28PM
“If he watched Jones, Adam Boyes and Collins, well !! Too many costly, disasterous signings in the last two years.
No doubt Knill wants to do his own research which will complement the parsimonious attitude of Wharton. Who else will SUFC unload if they are approached ? Everyone and anyone ?
It wouldn't surprise me if AK isn't already looking for the exit. Laws is still unemployed (and likely to remain so) and he's OK in Lge 2.
Looking forward to Wycombe on saturday. It should be interesting to see how SUFC perform against a Lge1/2 yoyo team.”
by norevlov
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 1:02PM
“On the naming of the bar point, why not all vote for it to be called the "Turnbull Bar" for multiple reasons but mainly as a test to see if the management at this club will honor the suggestion democraticly or dismiss it.”
by EpworthBrewer
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 12:28PM
“I see on the OWS today the club want suggestions for the name of the new bar in the ST stand. How about the Titanic Bar ? The way the club is sinking makes it appropriate. Failing that the Marie Celeste Bar.”
by robtanner83
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 12:14PM
“A brave decision from Knill to get rid of a popular and successful scout. That's his way of saying "Adkins is gone and I'm in charge". Now, everything that goes wrong or right will be down to Knill. Fingers crossed he knows what he is doing!”
by PStoff
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 11:16AM
“BIG MISTAKE - yet another faux pas caused by the man at the top. Get out Wharton and get out now while we do have a structure left at the club.”
by Fitgeezer
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 11:04AM
“A b----y disgrace. I hope Nigel takes him on. As for percyjbjones. The players who have come in and not performed are not necessarily Lee's recommendations. A Mr Barraclough was bringing anyone in who could kick a ball (sometimes!). Now we are saddled with a few good uns and a lot of "Amateur players"”
by percyjbjones
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 10:36AM
“I realise I will get shot down for this and proven wrong, but what has he done lately? Last gems were probably Hooper & Woolford. The players brought in over the last couple of seasons have been of a wide ranging scale from poor (in the main) to distinctly average.”
by EddieMurphy
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 10:31AM
“Well, this preseason just gets better and better doesn't it?! Like with the departure of Paul Wilson, our loss will be another club's gain. Ridiculous decision!”
by IRONMAD
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 10:07AM
“IRONMAD
THIS IS A DISGRACE TO AXE LEE TURNBULL, THE CLUB SHOULD BE ASHAMED AFTER WHAT LEE HAS DONE FOR THE CLUB. HE HAS UNEARTHED MANY GEMS, AND WHERE WOULD THE CLUB BE WITHOUT HIS IMPUT. IT IS A VERY SAD REFLECTION ON THE CLUB IF THIS IS THE WAY THEY TREAT THERE LOYAL STAFF. I FOR ONE WOULD LIKE TO THANK LEE TURNBULL FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR SCUNTHORPE UNITED, AND WISH HIM WELL AT HIS NEXT CLUB.”
by Scunnyfan
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 9:34AM
“WELL FLIPPING DONE SCUNTHORPE. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR THIS.”