Middlesbrough FC

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• Manager:Tony Mowbray

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Turnbull rejects Boro offer

06 Jun 2009 - 10:35:05

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Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull has rejected the offer of a new contract at the Riverside Stadium following the club's relegation to the Championship.

The 24-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this month, was a regular in Gareth Southgate's starting line-up in the first half of the season but lost his place to Brad Jones at the turn of the year.

Chief executive Keith Lamb confirmed to the club's official website: "Ross has written and told us that he's rejected our contract offers and he will be free from the end of June to join whichever club he chooses.

"We didn't want Ross to leave. We've been negotiating with him and his agent for the last eight months.

"We felt he had a future at Middlesbrough and we made him a number of offers over the last 12 months.

"They were exceptional offers for a goalkeeper who has played less than 30 games for Middlesbrough's first team.

"Each one was rejected by Ross and his advisors and consequently he has now informed us that it is his intention to pursue his career elsewhere.

"The reason Ross consistently gave us (for not signing) was that he wanted to play regular first-team football.

"I assume Ross will be going to a club where he will get regular first-team football. But we don't know who that club will be, time alone will tell.

"We wish him well and hope it works out for him."