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Bill Turner was an inside right , who joined Rovers in December 1922. He had already become an England schoolboy international before signing for the club. In the 1921-22 season he had played for Oakengates Town and Kidderminster Harriers.
In March 1924 he represented the Birmingham Combination in an inter-league match, against the London League, at Villa Park. London triumphed 2-1.
In April 1925 he represented Birmingham Juniors in a Junior International against the Scottish Juniors match at The Hawthorns. Birmingham won 4-1.
After three fine seasons with the Rovers, including the 1924/25 when he broke the all-time record for goals scored in a single season with 23 from 37 games, he moved into the Football League.
He had been watched numerous times by scouts from Football League sides and he signed for Crystal Palace on 4 May 1925 and became a regular in the side the following season.
Over the next 11 seasons, Turner made 281 league appearances for Palace, scoring 36 goals and became noted for his committed performances and versatility, playing in eight different positions. His nickname amongst the clubs supporters was "Rubber"
He was granted a joint benefit game by Palace in April 1932, along with team mate George Clarke, where Palace entertained a team from the British Army.
In June 1936, Turner moved back to Sidemoor and moved into non-league football when he signed for Worcester City.
He re-joined Rovers at the start of the 1938/39 season, but by now he was playing as a back or half back. He was made team captain. In January 1939, he became the 17th player to make 100 appearances for the Rovers, in a Worcestershire Senior Cup Semi Final match against Worcester City.
He decided not to sign up for the 1939/40 season.
He died in 1989 aged 87 or 88.
Rovers Stats:
Debut: Vs Atherstone Town, Birmingham Combination, Victoria Ground, 9 December 1922, 2-0.
Last game:
4 goals in a game:
Vs Wolseley Athletic, Birmingham Combination, 3 January 1925, 5-1
1922/23: 16 appearances, 8 goals
1923/24: 28 appearances, 6 goals
1924/25: 37 appearances, 23 goals
1925-36: Crystal Palace
1936-38: Worcester City
1938/39: 38 appearances, 2 goals
TOTAL: 119 appearances, 39 goals
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D.O.B:
16/11/1901
Born:
Tipton
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