David Turnbull left Celtic in January for Cardiff City following three-and-a-half successful years at Parkhead.
The Scotland international played his part in two Scottish Premiership triumphs, two Scottish Cup trophies, and two Scottish League Cups.
Best known for his long-range efforts, Turnbull registered 31 goals and 23 assists in 134 appearances for Celtic across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Seven of these came in 16 league outings for the Bhoys in the first half of the campaign; nevertheless, the former Motherwell man completed a £2 million move to Cardiff City on deadline day in the January transfer window.
Once his exit was confirmed, Turnbull admitted the latter stages of his time at Parkhead didn’t go entirely to plan.
He stated: “Maybe the last six months to a year hasn’t been the way I wanted it. To come to a team like Cardiff is a great move for myself. It’s about trying to replicate some things I have done before and putting my own style on to the team.”
It is worth noting that his contract at Celtic would have expired this summer, and if he had not renewed, Brendan Rodgers and company would have risked losing his services on a free transfer.
David Turnbull sheds light on why he left Celtic for Cardiff City
Finding himself at a crossroads in his career, Turnbull had to decide on whether to stay at Parkhead or to seek a new challenge further afield.
Despite describing his years at Celtic as the ‘best’ of his footballing life, the 24-year-old has revealed that he always had his heart set on moving on. He cited increased opportunities for increased game time were the main factor behind his switch to the Welsh capital.
Turnbull stated [Daily Record]: “It was tough. Coming to the end of my contract, I had to make a decision on what I wanted to do. I just felt the time was right for me to move on. But it was weird leaving the training ground. The Cardiff deal went through late on and my last session was two days before.
I thought I was going in the following day. I’d said to the boys: ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’ But things move so quickly in football. I had to nip back to Lennoxtown that same day to get my boots. That was a strange feeling for me. No one was there except the kitman and a few people working.
“So it was weird leaving everything at the drop of a hat. I’m in contact with four or five of the Celtic boys every couple of days because we’re so close. It was just strange leaving them behind. Those years at Celtic were the best of my life. But my head was set on getting away for a fresh challenge.
“I wanted more game-time than I was getting. That was probably the deciding factor. I was in and out last season. I’m not sure if that was down to my contact situation or not. But I’m not restarting my career at Cardiff. I’m kick-starting it to get back to the levels I know I can get to.”
Celtic and David Turnbull parted ways at the right time
Aside from recouping a decent sum for Turnbull, Celtic have been able to grant youngster Daniel Kelly some valuable minutes as he continues to progress through the ranks at Lennoxtown.
Tomoki Iwata has also helped to compensate for his absence, and an improved level of output from the wide areas has offered Rodgers’ men an alternative route to goal.
Of course, Turnbull was a talented midfielder who excelled in chance creation and chipping in with strikes from the engine room; however, it became apparent that he was unlikely to nail down a starting place under Rodgers, and a clean break between both parties ended up being the best solution available.
