Jake Turner (footballer)

Jake Edward Turner (born 25 February 1999) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for club Gillingham.

Early life
Turner was born in Wilmslow, and grew up with older sister Millie, who is also a footballer.

Club career
Turner began his career as an outfield player, and was suggested by Rene Meulensteen — who was a personal friend with the Turner family — to try being a goalkeeper due to his size. He spent the next few weeks training as a goalkeeper with Meulensteen and when first playing the position in a Sunday league football match he was spotted by Bolton Wanderers scouts who were impressed with what they saw which lead to Bolton signing him for their academy.

He moved on loan to Stalybridge Celtic in December 2017, but was recalled without making a first-team appearance. He then moved on loan to Frickley Athletic in March 2018. He returned on loan to Stalybridge in August 2018, making 11 league and 1 cup appearances. He moved on loan to Darlington in March 2019.

He signed for Newcastle United in July 2019, saying he was persuaded to do so by former Bolton teammate Sammy Ameobi, who had begun his career at Newcastle. In August 2020 he moved on a season-long loan to Morecambe. He was recalled by Newcastle in January 2021.

On 7 August 2021, he joined League Two club Colchester United on loan until January 2022. He made his club debut on 7 September in Colchester's 1–0 EFL Trophy defeat to Gillingham. He became first-choice goalkeeper after an injury to Shamal George, and was praised by local media for his performances. The loan ended in January 2022.

On 30 June 2022, Turner signed for League Two side Gillingham. Initially a back up to first choice goalkeeper Glenn Morris, Turner made his league debut as a 41st minute substitute in a 0–2 home loss to Northampton Town. Turner was limited to 7 league appearances in his first season with the club, but started the 2023–24 season as Neil Harris' first choice goalkeeper.

International career
Turner was first called up to the England under-18 team in September 2016 ahead of two fixtures against Sweden. He made his debut in November 2016, keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw with France, a win which helped the Three Lions secure the International Trophy. He made his second and final appearance at this level in a 2–1 friendly win over Qatar under-19s in Doha.

Turner graduated to the England under-19 squad in August 2017, making his only appearance as a 46th minute substitute in a 7–1 win over Poland in September 2017.