Sky Bet Championship new boys Burton Albion have made their first summer signing – experienced defender Ben Turner.
The centre-back has been there and done it before, boasting plenty of Championship experience with former club Cardiff City. He also spent a season in the top flight with the Bluebirds, for whom he made over a century of appearances in a five-year spell.His new employers, on the other hand, are set to embark on a maiden campaign in the second tier. Following a rapid rise from non-league football, Burton have achieved back-to-back promotions, and Turner hopes his experience can keep the momentum at the Pirelli Stadium going.
“I have had a year in the Premier League and I understand there’s a lot of lads coming through the leagues here,” the 28-year-old told the club's official website.
“It would be nice to get some others in who have played in the Championship before and know how it works. Hopefully my experience will help at the start of the season.”
The EFL fixtures were released just prior to Turner's arrival, with a short trip to Nottingham Forest the first challenge for Nigel Clough's men.
Read more: #FixtureReleaseDay - Key Dates in the Sky Bet Championship
Two clubs who competed in last season's Play-Offs – Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County – come to the Pirelli Stadium in a busy first month, and Turner is relishing the season ahead.
“I have seen the initial fixtures and it’s a nice start with a couple of derbies in the first month, but there are so many good fixtures in the Championship these days as it’s a massive league.
“A lot of fixtures will be exciting for Burton Albion but that’s what the club’s been working towards and now it’s here.”