EXCLUSIVE - Chester City Captain, Paul Carden on Iain Turner

Iain helped Chester City win the Nationwide Conference with an unbeaten run. He also helped himself to a medal, having played in the last 12 games. We spoke to Chester City Captain, Paul Carden about Iain's time at The Deva Stadium.

Blue Kipper: How did the loan period come about?
Paul Carden: Our regular goalie broke his foot, so we were a bit short. Credit to the manager and the chairman for getting such a good replacement.

Blue Kipper: First Impressions?
Paul Carden: He was quiet when he first came, but his ability was all there to be seen. He trained very hard. You could see he was a great shot stopper. A lot of the lads fancy themselves from the edge of the box, but not many went past Iain.

Blue Kipper: What are his good points?
Paul Carden: He is very tall. About 6' 3" or 6' 4". He is very agile and his positional sense is good. Got a good attitude and is a good lad. Came out with us a few times. Great shot stopper.

Blue Kipper: What does he need to Improve?
Paul Carden: Although he's very tall, he's still quiet slim. He needs to put a bit of beef on. He goes back to Bellefield every day he has off to work on the weights with Chris Woods. He's quiet on the pitch. He needs to improve on that, but he's only 19. I used to be very quiet at that age.

Blue Kipper: Biggest Cock-up?
Paul Carden: I think it was against Burton and we battered them, but couldn't score. Our centre half played a simple back pass to Iain, but Iain being a bit gangly miss kicked the ball with his shin, then tried again. By this time a forward was closing him down. Iain miss kicked again and they scored. He was like a Giraffe.

Blue Kipper: Best Moment?
Paul Carden: There were a few. He kept us in games with some great saves. One stands out, when we were winning with minutes to go. We had to keep winning, as the chasing teams had games in hand, and they kept winning as well. A ball got put over the top and the fella was through, but Iain came rushing out and dived at his feet cleanly taking the ball, but clattered the forward as well. He was very brave and helped us keep on winning.

Blue Kipper: What about the future?
Paul Carden: We'd welcome him back here anytime. If he continues to improve like he has at Chester, I think he has all the attributes to make it to the top with Everton.

Thanks to Paul, who took time out of his busy schedule to spend half an hour with us in Jogger's back garden. Paul is having an operation on his knee this week. All at bluekipper.com wish him a speedy recovery. Cheers Cardy! (03/06/04)

Medal Me!

Iain needs one more game under his belt to win a Conference Championship Medal. If he plays in the last game of the season against Hereford then he has his gong.

On winning the Championship, Iain says: "It was a great feeling. It has to be said. I've not felt like that at all in my entire life. When that final whistle went - the relief and the joy I felt was brilliant. At full-time everyone just ploughed onto the park and the celebrations started. The Chester fans have been brilliant in every game I've played in. They've really supported the club and it was great to see the stadium full.If I play on Saturday, I think I can get a medal, because I will have played in 12 games. I'm looking to finish on a high against Hereford. You learn a lot from every coach you work alongside and I've picked up a few tips from Mark Wright along the way. My spell at Chester has given me more experience, I'd like to think it has made me a better keeper and next season I'm looking to progress even further. The number one spot at Everton is still my aim and I'm going to keep working hard to achieve it." (22/04/04)

Champions

Turns has helped Chester win the Conference. Chester have been unbeaten since Iain started his 11 game stint at The Deva Stadium. Well done Iain! (20/04/04)

Loan Deal Extended

Davey Moyes has confirmed that Iain Turner can stay at Chester City till the end of the season. Chester who are flying high in the Conference will be delighted at the news, as will Turner himself.

Moyesy says: "Iain Turner will stay at Chester City on loan until the end of the season. We have several young players out on loan at the moment. I want them to gain experience and it will benefit them when they come back here." (08/03/04)

Can I Stay, Please

Iain Turner is hoping his loan period at Chester will be extended, so he can help the Conference side gain promotion to the Football League.

Iain says: "It is just a month-long loan but they have asked me if I want to stay longer and I am happy to stay on because I am enjoying myself over there and it would be good to help them win promotion to the league. I don't know if I will, that is up to the gaffer, but I would be happy to. I have been made up with how things have gone. I must admit, I was surprised I got this chance. When it comes to keepers, most managers are looking for experience. And so when I heard Chester were interested in me I was surprised because they are top of the Conference. But I am very grateful to have been given the chance to join them and I hope I can play my part in helping them win promotion." (05/03/04)

Turner To Chester

Promising young keeper Iain Turner has been loaned out to Conference high flyers Chester, till the end of the season. Chester boss Mark Wright is delighted with his acquisition, and was quick to praise David Moyes part in the loan deal.

Wright says: "This is a major coup for us. Iain comes with a glowing reputation and I would like to publicly thank David Moyes who has been extremely helpful in this matter. He has bent over backwards to help us and the gesture to assist a local club in this matter should not be forgotten." (05/02/04)

Extended Contract

19 year old reserve keeper Iain Turner, will be handed a one year extension to his existing contract early next week. Since signing from Stirling Albion in January 2003, the young keeper has been elevated to reserve team keeper, and latter has been on the bench for the First Teams last two fixtures, as a result to injuries to Wrighty and Simmo. A string of impressive displays for the rezzys has impressed the Blues coaching staff, who strongly believe he is a star of the future. (11/09/03)

Heard That Before

Iain Turner looks certain to be given a berth on the bench on Sunday when the Blues travel to 'Boro.His elevation to the First Team Squad has been brought about by an injury to reserve keeper Steve Simmo. Simonsen picked up an injury in training when he picked up a thigh problem,would you believe it kicking a ball.

Moyesy says: "He's got a bit of a thigh strain he picked up in training kicking the ball. We don't think it is too bad but it may keep him out of the game at the weekend." (17/09/03)

Great Prospect

After rave reviews in the preseason build up. Especially for the reserves at Rhyl. Iain finally got his just rewards when he came on for Everton's 1st team against Bologna yesterday. He was straight into action, saving from former Chelsea star Sam Della Bona.

The 19 year old has clearly impressed Moyesy, who has elevated him above the more experienced Simmo & Gezza. Iain has done the business, whereas the other two have been a let down.

bluekipper.com caught up with Iain's Dad, Peter Turner after seeing his son's 1st team debut yesterday. Not surprisingly he was gushing with pride.
Peter says: "It's great seeing him play here. After only playing 13 games for Stirling Albion, he's now at Everton. He's worked so hard to get to full fitness " We said he could be on the bench against The Arse next week. Peter with a smile says: "It's going to cost me a fortune!" Join the club.

Moyesy says: “We’ve got a lot of hopes for him. I think everyone would see that he’s got the size and the presence. He’s a very calm young man, he just needs a year or two to grow into his body. Sunday was a chance to give him a bit of experience and he made a good save near the end.” (11/08/03)