It is with deep sadness that National League club Notts County have announced the passing of their Chief Executive, Jason Turner, at the age of 50. Turner had been in the role since March 2016 and had previously worked for Bath City, Newport County, Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City. He was described by the club as an “outstanding CEO who was respected across football”.
The news of his passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences from across the footballing world. Notts County captain Kyle Cameron described Turner as a “great man” who “would bend over backwards for anyone and everyone involved in the club”. The English Football League said that Turner was a “friend of the EFL and to the many people who worked with him across the organisation and our clubs”. Premier League side Nottingham Forest, whose City Ground home is located less than 300 yards away from Notts’ Meadow Lane stadium, sent their thoughts to Turner’s family and the Magpies. Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds, who co-owns National League rivals Wrexham with fellow actor Rob McElhenney, also paid tribute to Turner on social media.
In a statement, his parents Jen and David said: “Words cannot describe our sadness following the loss of our beloved son, Jason. We know this feeling will be shared by all of his colleagues and his many, many friends. While we come to terms with this news, we ask for our family’s privacy to be respected.”
BBC Radio Nottingham’s Notts County reporter Charlie Slater said: “Jason shunned the spotlight personally, but drove Notts County into the light. He was completely dedicated to his role as CEO and worked harder than anyone could imagine to ensure the football club moved in the right direction. His impact can’t be underestimated and Jason is as responsible as anyone for the club’s current prosperity. He went to battle for the Magpies when they almost went out of business and helped to drag the club through testing times during Covid, establishing himself as a leading figure in the National League. Jason was passionate, diligent and kind. His charm lit up a room and he will leave a huge hole in the club he had grown to love so dearly. It’s tragic that he won’t be around to see more prosperous days in Notts County’s history that are undoubtedly approaching and that he undoubtedly played a big part in.”
Notts County have announced that they will be closed until Monday at the earliest and that they will be making no further comment. The club are currently top of the National League following their victory over Altrincham on Tuesday, but have played two games more than title rivals Wrexham.
The footballing world has been united in mourning the loss of Jason Turner, a man who devoted himself to Notts County and was respected across the game. His family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time, and all thoughts are with them, his colleagues and his many friends.