How USMNT star Matt Turner ‘squeaky-bummed’ his way out of Nottingham Forest initiation song & what he sang after completing transfer to Arsenal

The United States international completed a £10 million ($12m) move to the City Ground from Arsenal during the summer window. He was immediately handed starting duties on Trentside – something denied him on a regular basis in north London – and is loving life in the East Midlands.

Turner was thrown in at the deep end when making his Forest debut, as they faced Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend of the 2023-24 campaign, and he believes that quick turnaround has prevented him from having to dust off his vocal chords and perform in front of the rest of his team-mates.

Turner has told Sky Sports when asked if he has had to belt out a tune since arriving in Nottingham: “I don’t really want to talk about it because… There has been a lot of change and so I think I’ve actually squeaky-bummed through not doing it. I came in and I think there were two days before we played Arsenal away and I’m not sure anyone wanted to ruffle my feathers any more than coming from Arsenal and going back immediately to play against them. And then more new signings came and I think it all just spiralled out of control. Maybe next pre-season it will catch up to me and I’ll have to go for it again.”

Quizzed on what he sang after linking up with Arsenal in 2022, Turner said: “When I did my last one, my last initiation I did Uncle Kracker, Follow Me. It was pretty well received – couple of questions. I’m well read, I’m good on stage, so I was pleased with my performance.” Turner will be hoping to put in another good performance on Saturday when Forest travel to the Etihad Stadium to face reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.