Central Coasts Turnbull experiences great loss

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Central Coasts Turnbull experiences great loss
19.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

It is with great sadness the Central Coast Mariners can confirm Bankstown football stalwart, Doug Turnbull, the brother of Central Coast Mariners major shareholder Peter Turnbull, passed away early this morning after a long battle with cancer.

Doug commenced his professional career at the age of just 16, making his first team debut for Bankstown in 1964, alongside Socceroos Ron Lord, Bill Rorke and Bob Madden, pitting himself against Australian football legends such as Leo Baumgartner, Herbert Ninaus, Wally Tamandl and Johnny Warren.

In the ensuing years he played in Bankstown teams alongside Socceroos such as Greg Byles, Kevin Mullen and current Sydney FC assistant coach, Steve OConnor. It was an era where Bankstown were producing the best young talent in the country, the team being referred to by the press of the time as the Bankstown babes.

Doug was from a golden era in the Bankstown production line, and played an integral part in making football the No. 1 sport in the district, Current Football NSW Director, and former Bankstown City Lions football club President, George Jackson said.

He had become an ardent Mariners supporter in recent years, likening the Mariners fight for recognition against the bigger clubs as being similar to Bankstowns struggles against the super clubs of the 60s and 70s such as Apia Liechhardt, Maccabi Hakoah and Prague.

Dougs daughter Lisa continued the familys football traditions, representing NSW and Australia with distinction at youth level.

The Central Coast Mariners would like to pass on their deepest condolences to the Turnbull family, and it politely requested the media respects the familys privacy at this time.

Doug is survived by his wife Roberta, son Jon and daughters Lisa and Amy.

Sad to hear

 

[midfielder]

My Condolences to the family   

 

[FFC Mariner]

Awful news.

 

[clarence]

Sad news to hear about. Condolences to Peter Turnbull and his family.

 

[UnitedsNo9]

Many condolences to his entire family, sad news

 

[MrCelery]

Yes, very sad - thoughts are with the Turnbull's. A loss for for the football family too.