Sunderland
Born:
Joined the Tigers:
9th November 1983, Lewisham
6th July 2006, from Brentford
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One of the most promising lower league talents of 2005-06, Phil Parkinson first move in the transfer market after joining the Tigers was to secure the signature of this tall and pacey centre back for a club record fee of £350,000. After a shaky start Turner proved to be a solid performer in the heart of City's defence and won several Player of the Year gongs in his first season. His form has continued to improve in 2007-08 and he proved one of City's most valuable assets as they rose up the Championship ladder, to the extent that a transfer to Glasgow Celtic was rumoured in January 2008. But he stayed and was soon rewarded with Premier League football at the KC.
His form continued into the Tigers first Premier League season as he impressed against a range of illustrious strikers, encouraging thoughts of an England call-up as well as playing a pivotal role in City's success. But as the August 2009 transfer window drew to a close it was apparent that City were willing to listen to offers for their prize asset and on 30th August 2009 Turner signed for Sunderland for an initial £6.5 million fee, rising to £12 million on various achievements. This transfer left a massive hole in City's defence and Premier League aspirations - a baffling turn of events by our chairman and manager. In a further twist of fate Turner's Premier League debut for Sunderland was against City, when he contributed to a 4-1 thumping.
Michael Turner is conceivably one of the ten finest players to ever wear black and amber. And when he scored against City on his debut (later attributed to an own goal) right in front of the Tigers fans, he raised his hand to apologise. Top bloke.