Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner has explained how Steve Cooper convinced him to quit Arsenal. The 29-year-old made the move from North London during the summer transfer window.
The goalkeeper has started all five league games for the Reds. He kept his first clean sheet against Chelsea before the international break and so far he’s proved very useful.
Turner looks a pretty useful signing for Forest and the gloves look like his to lose at the moment. He’s been desperate to be a number-one stopper after making just seven appearances in a single season with Arsenal.
The American number one was keen to sign for a new club in the summer. Now, he’s spoken candidly on how Cooper was the man who convinced him that Forest was the club for him.
Turner told The Athletic: “I asked a lot of questions about what they saw in me; about why they felt I was a good fit here. Those conversations ticked every box when it came to what I wanted to hear.
“My wife was listening in, and when we finished the call, she gave me the nod of approval. She could see it in my face that I felt good about it.
“Even when other teams came in, I had tunnel vision. I knew this place was the place I wanted to be.”
Turner discusses how Cooper convinced him to quit Arsenal for Forest
This doesn’t come as a surprise. Cooper is heavily invested in most aspects of the football club but when it comes to man management and making players feel welcome, he’s among the best.
The 43-year-old epitomises what following Forest should be all about. He’s been worth his weight in gold since arriving at the City Ground two years ago today.
Turner looks like a quality addition to the ranks. The stopper knows that he needs to keep playing well, with Odysseas Vlachodimos now waiting in the wings as his deputy.
Forest recruited well this summer. Now, with Turner on board, they look to have a goalkeeper who could really help the club progress in the Premier League this season.
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