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Ipswich Town striker Robin Turner dies aged 70

Alice CunninghamSuffolk
News imageAllsport/Getty Images The FA Cup winning Ipswich Town team from 1977/78. Many of the players are shouting in joy as they smile at the camera. Some have their arms in the air. Allsport/Getty Images
Robin Turner, pictured far left, helped Ipswich Town during their successful FA Cup campaign in 1978

Former Ipswich Town striker Robin Turner has died at the age of 70, the club has said.

Turner came up through the youth system at Portman Road and went on to be an FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner as part of Sir Bobby Robson's squad.

The footballer also had spells at Swansea City, Colchester United and Bury Town.

Ipswich Town said in a statement it was "deeply saddened" to hear of his passing and offered thoughts to his friends and family.

"Robin, who came through Town's youth system, made a total of 62 appearances for the Blues, scoring six goals, during nine seasons with the first-team," the club said.

"Prior to being an important and much-loved member of the squads which won the FA Cup in 1978 and UEFA Cup in 1981 under Sir Bobby Robson, Robin was part of the young Town squad which won the FA Youth Cup in 1973 while also winning caps for England at junior levels.

"After leaving Portman Road in 1985 he represented the likes of Swansea City, Colchester United and Bury Town, before moving into teaching following retirement."

Turner scored two goals for Ipswich in the fifth round of the 1978 cup run, against Bristol Rovers.

That was enough to earn a 2-2 draw and a replay, which they won at Portman Road.

News imagePAT EDWARDS/PHOTOEAST Ipswich Town footballers show off their FA Cup winning trophy to fans at Portman Road in 1978. Two players hold the trophy above their heads. One wears an Ipswich Town kit and the other wears a blue jumper with chino trousers. PAT EDWARDS/PHOTOEAST
Ipswich's players were welcomed home to Portman Road after winning the FA Cup in 1978

Swansea City similarly said they were saddened by the news.

"Robin made a significant contribution in ensuring the Swans avoided relegation from the old Third Division towards the end of the 1984-85 season, having joined from Ipswich Town," they added.

Russell Osman, a former centre back who played alongside Turner at Town, said on social media: "So sorry to hear that we have lost Robin, never got the credit he deserved for FA Cup goal he scored."

Turner also played a part in the 1981 film Escape to Victory, that followed Allied prisoners of war as they prepared for a football game against their Nazi captors.

The film starred Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone, and Turner played as one of the German team members.

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