Nottingham Forest’s American goalkeeper Matt Turner has shared his experiences and aspirations after his summer transfer from Arsenal.
Speaking to Forest TV ahead of this Saturday’s encounter with Manchester City, Turner opened up about various facets of his new football journey, including his reception by Forest fans and the challenges ahead.
Matt Turner, who transferred from Arsenal to Nottingham Forest in the summer, has been a fixture in goal for the club since his arrival.
In regard to his new life at Nottingham Forest, Turner said, “I’d say it’s been a pretty positive start. In the three games that we haven’t won, we feel disappointed in the dressing room, which I think is a really good thing.”
The American goalkeeper has caught the eye with a series of saves, receiving praise for his performances. “There’s a lot of ambition, a lot of new players with a fresh perspective on things. Guys are getting to know each other and over time that’s going to continue to come out because I think there’s real quality in our side,” he added.
Turner is not just acclimating on the field but also off it, appreciating his time in Nottingham as opposed to previous stays in Boston and London.
“When you come from downtown Boston and then London, you think you’re going into the middle of nowhere when you really aren’t. Nottingham is a great city, it’s a great community,” he said.
The Forest fans have also made an impression on the player. “It’s a huge honour to be loved by the fans here, it’s such a historic club. My family and I have been speechless,” he said.
The support has been emotionally uplifting for him. “It just makes you want to show up to work every day and repay that love but also continue to earn it.”
On his performances, Turner displayed a sense of grounded self-assurance. “What I’ve been happy about is that I really feel like I’ve left it all out there in every game. Clean sheets are great, but results are what matters at the end of the day.”
At the weekend, Forest lost at City 2-0 in a game that also saw Arsenal loanee, Nuno Tavares, endure something of a nightmare before being subbed off injured in the first half.