Turner was born in South Moor, Stanley, County Durham and played his early football with various clubs in North East England, including Dipton United, Scotswood and Leadgate Park.
His professional career was delayed by the First World War but in September 1919 he moved to the South Coast to join Southern League, Southampton for a fee of £200.
[2] Following injuries to half backs, George Bradburn and Reg Hackett in March 1920, Turner was moved forward to left-half, a position he retained for the rest of his professional career.
In a bid to strengthen the team following their return to the First Division, Bury signed Turner in April 1924, with Stan Woodhouse and John Callagher moving to the south coast as part of the deal.
In the 1926–27 season injury restricted Turner to five appearances, as manager James Hunter tried several players at left half, with the team finishing just above the relegation zone.