How trialist goalkeeper Jake Turner ended up at Rotherham United
ROTHERHAM United have handed a trial to shot-stopper Jake Turner on the recommendation of new goalkeeper coach Richard Hartis.
The 27-year-old free agent, who has spent the last four years with Gillingham, came on as a substitute in the pre-season match at Alfreton Town and could given more game time against Sheffield United in Saturday's friendly at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Hartis has been with the Millers for nearly a month - although his appointment has yet to be confirmed by the club - and thinks Turner is worth being given a chance to press his claim for a contract.
“We are having a look at him,” head coach Alex Bruce said. “Richard's brought him in.”
Wilmslow-born Turner was in Bolton Wanderers' youth ranks and then failed to make a first-team breakthrough with Newcastle United before joining League Two Gillingham in 2023 and going on to make 87 appearances.
Rotherham now find themselves in the same division as the Gills and the goalkeeper's knowledge of the fourth tier is an attraction.
“He's got experience at the level,” Bruce said.
Ted Cann is the only senior keeper on Rotherham's books but isn't guaranteed to remain as their number-one choice, and another trialist arrival is a possibility.
“We've not made any decisions on goalkeepers yet,” Bruce said. “We'll have a look at Jake. We might have a look at another one, assess Ted and make a decision in the next three or four weeks.”
Turner has been given an opportunity following the departure of another former Newcastle keeper, Max Thompson, who featured in pre-season matches against Emley and Matlock Town.
The 21-year-old has now linked up with the PFA free-agent camp in a bid to catch the eye of scouts.
“Max was just with us for a week or two,” Bruce said.
For the last fortnights, Rotherham have had a local goalkeeper in their camp in Wickersley-based Jacob Carney who started out with Manchester United before moving on to Sunderland and Newport County and then playing in Ireland.
The 25-year-old is believed to have EFL clubs interested in him, but Bruce quashed any likelihood of him signing for the Millers when asked by the Advertiser about the situation.
“He's just training,” the head coach said.