Portsmouth keeper sees his loan spell cut short at non-league side - here's why

Duncan Turnbull has returned to Pompey.
Duncan Turnbull. Picture: Joe PeplerDuncan Turnbull. Picture: Joe Pepler
Duncan Turnbull. Picture: Joe Pepler

Dulwich Hamlet have opted to send the keeper back to Fratton Park after he was unable to break into manager Gavin Rose's plans.

Turnbull signed a one-year deal in March but has been behind Craig MacGillivray and Alex Bass in the pecking order.

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But Turnbull, who failed to cement a similar move to the Hawks in September, quickly found himself surplus to requirements at the Hamlet.

And with National League South clubs only able to name five substitutes, he wasn’t even needed on the bench before his spell was cut short.

Kenny Jackett admitted it was frustrating the University of Notre Dame graduate didn't get an opportunity to impress.

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Now the Pompey boss will look to find Turnbull another loan.

Jacket told The News: ‘The manager has had a change of heart and is playing the goalkeeper that is there.

‘I did speak to the manager and us managers make different decisions don't we?

‘He's got to look after his own club, which I respect, but after bringing him to Dulwich, they haven't played him.

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‘That's disappointing for us but it's their business. He's back training with us and once the 28-day loan period runs out then we'll go out and he will probably go elsewhere on loan.

‘I can't pick the manager's team. It would have been nice if he'd have had a chance and opportunity but it doesn't work that way.

‘Sometimes teams at that level don't go with a keeper on the bench. If you don't play, you haven't got a chance.

‘Duncan's gone to one or two of their games but hasn't played. He's still be training with us, so he's not missed any training, and that's a good thing.

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‘It was quite a long conversation with their manager but he hasn't had the games and it's unlikely he's going to get one.’

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