Turnbull made just 29 appearances for Boro

Former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull revealed that he left the club after a lack of guarantees over first-team football in the Championship.

Turnbull, 24, joined Chelsea on a free-transfer in June of this year and said the situation could have been different if Boro had stayed in the top flight.

"At Championship level I would have to play every week, I couldn't afford to be on the bench," he told BBC Tees.

"Here at Chelsea it's different, we play 60 games and it's a squad game."

For Turnbull, who joined Middlesbrough as a youngster, leaving for the capital was a tough call, particularly given his local roots.

And the stopper admits he wishes his old club all the best in their bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.

"I am looking forward to it as a supporter now I suppose, looking to see how the club will do and how the signings they've made will do," he said.

"I'm sure with the signings they've made they'll have a good season because there are top quality players there, and if they can keep them and make a few experienced additions I'm sure they can have a great campaign."

Turnbull made 29 appearances for the Teessiders after making his debut against Bolton in May 2006.

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