Darren John Purse (born 14 February 1977) is an English former professional footballer who now coaches the Cardiff City U23s.

Darren Purse
Purse playing for Cardiff City in 2009
Personal information
Full name Darren John Purse[1]
Date of birth (1977-02-14) 14 February 1977 (age 47)[1]
Place of birth Stepney, England
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2]
Position(s) Centre-back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–1996 Leyton Orient 55 (3)
1996BK-IFK (loan)
1996–1998 Oxford United 59 (5)
1998–2004 Birmingham City 168 (9)
2004–2005 West Bromwich Albion 22 (0)
2005–2009 Cardiff City 111 (10)
2009–2011 Sheffield Wednesday 61 (2)
2011–2012 Millwall 13 (1)
2011Yeovil Town (loan) 5 (0)
2011–2012Plymouth Argyle (loan) 3 (0)
2012–2013 Plymouth Argyle 42 (2)
2013 Port Vale 17 (2)
2013 IFK Mariehamn 6 (0)
2014–2015 Chesham United 37 (0)
2015 Welling United 5 (0)
2015 Staines Town 10 (1)
2015–2016 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1 (0)
2016 Hayes & Yeading United 18 (1)
2016–2017 Chesham United 33 (2)
2017 Bishop's Stortford 5 (0)
2017 AFC Rushden & Diamonds 0 (0)
2017–2018 Enfield Town 18 (2)
Total 689 (40)
International career
1998 England U21 2 (0)
Managerial career
2021– Cardiff City U23s
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

A centre-back, he began his career at Leyton Orient, before winning a £100,000 move to Oxford United in July 1996. He continued to impress and was bought by Birmingham City for £700,000 in February 1998. He played for the "Blues" in the Premier League and the 2001 Football League Cup final, before switching to West Bromwich Albion for a £750,000 fee in June 2004. After a year with the "Baggies", he was transferred to Championship side Cardiff City for just under £1 million.

Appointed as club captain, he was an unused substitute in the 2008 FA Cup final, where they were defeated by Portsmouth. He joined Sheffield Wednesday in July 2009, and was again appointed as captain. The "Owls" suffered relegation into League One, and he moved on to Millwall in January 2011. Loaned out to Yeovil Town, he switched to Plymouth Argyle for a 12-month spell in January 2012.

He left Plymouth for Port Vale in January 2013, and helped the club to secure promotion out of League Two in 2012–13. He left England in August 2013 to play for Finnish club IFK Mariehamn, before heading into English non-League football with Chesham United, Welling United, Staines Town, AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Hayes & Yeading United, Bishop's Stortford, and Enfield Town. Over the course of his 24-year playing career he made 796 league and cup appearances, scoring a total of 51 goals.

Club career edit

Leyton Orient edit

Purse was born in Stepney, London and attended Cardinal Pole Roman Catholic School in Hackney.[3] As a youngster Purse played in the same Sunday league side as Lee Bowyer.[4] He rejected apprenticeships at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in favour of training with the Leyton Orient first-team on the promise of a professional contract on his 17th-birthday.[5] He made his senior début at Orient under Peter Eustace just three days after his 17th-birthday, in a defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Goldstone Ground.[5] He spent close to two seasons at Brisbane Road, and scored five goals in 66 league and cup appearances for the club. Orient were relegated out of the Second Division in last place in 1994–95, and finished 21st in the Third Division in 1995–96. He also spent time in Finland on loan at Kakkonen (Second Division) club BK-IFK.

Oxford United edit

In July 1996, Purse was signed by Oxford United for a £100,000 fee.[6] He made 31 appearances in the 1996–97 season, as Denis Smith's "Yellows" posted a 17th-place finish in the First Division. Purse impressed at the Manor Ground, and scored six goals in 35 games in 1997–98.

Birmingham City edit

Purse joined Birmingham City for £600,000 plus Kevin Francis (valued at £100,000) in February 1998.[7] He started just two First Division games at the end of the 1997–98 season after making an unimpressive debut.[5] He made 11 league starts and nine substitute appearances in the 1998–99 campaign, and also appeared at St Andrew's as a substitute in the play-off defeat to Watford after David Holdsworth was sent off – he converted a penalty in the shoot-out, which ended in a 7–6 victory for Watford.

Purse established an effective centre-back partnership with Michael Johnson in the 1999–2000 season, making 41 starts in league and cup competitions for the "Blues".[5] He played at the Millennium Stadium in the 2001 League Cup final, and scored a 90th-minute penalty to take the game into extra time.[8] He also converted his penalty in the shoot-out, which was won by Liverpool 5–4.[8] Later that season Birmingham also reached the First Division play-offs, but they lost in the semi-finals to Preston North End in a penalty shootout, with Purse this time missing his penalty.[9] With four goals in 49 appearances in the 2000–01 season, Purse won the vote to be named as the club's Player of the Season.[10] This represented a significant turnaround for a young defender who was barracked by City supporters at the start of the campaign.[11]

He missed the start of the 2001–02 season after a training ground shot from manager Trevor Francis broke his wrist.[12] Francis was sacked just after Purse returned to full fitness, though the defender managed to keep his first-team place under new boss Steve Bruce, and started 40 matches in the 2001–02 season.

In August 2002, Purse "ended months of speculation" by signing a three-year deal (with an option for a fourth year).[13] Having been courted by Arsenal, Charlton Athletic and Everton, he had previously been stripped of the club captaincy after twice rejecting Birmingham's offer of a £10,000 per week five-year contract.[14][15] The protracted negotiations were put down to his ambitions for top-flight football, which were secured with victory in the 2002 play-off final (Purse did not feature in the matchday squad).[16] However, he missed a large chunk of the 2002–03 season after his ankle became infected following surgery.[17][18]

Purse had a quiet 2003–04 campaign, making only nine Premier League appearances. He did, however, hit the headlines after elbowing Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu; the Romanian reportedly launched a "volley of expletives" at Purse in a post-match dressing room incident.[19]

West Bromwich Albion edit

Purse moved to Gary Megson's West Bromwich Albion for £750,000 in June 2004.[20][21] On signing with the club he said "I've probably got the best years of my career ahead of me."[22] He spent a single season with Albion in the Premier League, making 24 appearances in all competitions, and was frozen out of the first-team from February onwards. He therefore played no part in the "Survival Sunday" victory over Portsmouth that ensured the "Baggies" retained their top-flight status. He had made "significant errors" on the pitch, and, as at Birmingham, was deemed surplus to requirement at The Hawthorns by new boss Bryan Robson.[23]

Cardiff City edit

In July 2005, Purse moved to Cardiff City in a deal worth just under £1 million.[24] Five players (Alan Lee, Rhys Weston, Tony Warner, Chris Barker and Neil Alexander) accepted "substantial reductions in their wages" to allow the club to meet Purse's wage demands.[25] He was appointed team captain,[26] and forged a reputation for hard work and consistency as the foundation of the Cardiff defence, forming an effective partnership with Glenn Loovens. He scored six goals in 43 games in 2005–06 and scored four goals in 33 games in 2006–07. Purse signed a one-year extension to his contract at Ninian Park in July 2007.[27]

"I love being here. I enjoy turning up for training every day, playing for a great manager and the team that I'm playing for and team-mates are fantastic. We've got a new stadium coming and things are looking up."

— Purse, speaking in September 2006, was hoping to play for Cardiff in the Premier League, but it was not to be.[28]

In August 2007, he received an injury to his knee cartilage and it was expected that he would be unavailable for up to four weeks,[29] but he contracted an infection during an operation on the injured knee that delayed his return for a much longer period. He made his return to first-team football in October, and went on to score a headed goal in the 2–1 League Cup defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on 31 October.[30] The 2007–08 season turned into a disappointment for Purse as he was forced out of the side by "Bluebirds" fan favourite Roger Johnson. He also scored several own goals, including a spectacular volleyed backpass that proved too powerful for Cardiff goalkeeper Peter Enckelman.[31] He was also labelled a "muppet" by Burnley forward Andrew Cole, after Purse was sent off for what was deemed a dangerous tackle against Cole, although Cardiff manager Dave Jones defended the player and the ban was later overturned.[32] Purse did not feature in City's FA Cup run to the final at Wembley, and was an unused substitute as Cardiff were beaten 1–0 by Portsmouth.[33]

Purse began the 2008–09 season on the bench until Glenn Loovens was sold to Celtic, and he returned to the starting line-up alongside Roger Johnson in September.[34] He spent three months in the first-team before losing his place in the side again, this time to Hungary international Gábor Gyepes who was signed as a replacement for Loovens, after a 2–1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle on 22 November after which Cardiff manager Dave Jones slammed the defensive performance of the team.[35] Purse responded by criticising his manager and stating that he did not deserve to be dropped from the side.[36] Purse was told that he could leave the club if a replacement could be signed during the January transfer window and was allowed to open talks with fellow Championship side Norwich City,[37] but Cardiff could not find a suitable replacement in time and the move was cancelled.[38] Able to secure a play-off place on the last day of the 2008–09 season,[39] Cardiff instead suffered defeat and missed out on the play-offs on goal difference. At the end of the season Purse was not offered an extension to his contract and left the club.[40]

Sheffield Wednesday edit

 
Purse in Sheffield Wednesday colours in the match against Cardiff City in April 2010

Purse signed a two-year contract with Championship club Sheffield Wednesday in May 2009.[41] He was immediately named as team captain.[42] He made 41 appearances in the 2009–10 season, only missing a handful of games due to a hamstring injury.[43] The "Owls" struggled, and manager Brian Laws was sacked and replaced by Alan Irvine. On the final day of the season, a win over Crystal Palace at Hillsborough would ensure survival at Palace's expense.[44] Purse scored an 87th-minute goal to level the game at 2–2, but no more goals followed and Wednesday were relegated into League One.[44]

He made 30 appearances in the first half of the 2010–11 season, before he left the cash-strapped club by mutual consent in January 2011.[45]

Millwall edit

The day after his release from Sheffield Wednesday, 21 January 2011, Purse signed with Millwall – the club he supported as a boy – on a contract until the end of the 2010–11 season.[46][47] Purse made his début for Millwall two days later in a 4–2 defeat away at Leicester City. He scored his first goal for the club on 23 April, in a 4–0 win over Preston North End at The Den, and dedicated the goal to his father.[48] He signed a one-year contract with Kenny Jackett's "Lions" in April 2011.[49]

Having found himself out of the first-team at the start of the 2011–12 campaign, Purse joined Yeovil Town on a one-month loan in October in the hope of proving himself worthy of a starting place at Millwall.[50][51] He made five appearances during that time and "Glovers" manager Terry Skiverton stated that he would have liked to extend his stay at Huish Park.[52]

Plymouth Argyle edit

In November 2011, Purse moved to Plymouth Argyle on loan with a permanent 18-month contract to be signed when the transfer window opened the following January.[53][54] He ended the 2011–12 campaign with 24 appearances for the "Pilgrims", as the team's "solid" defence helped to keep the club in the English Football League.[55] He later said that helping Plymouth to stay in the league was "one of the best things I have done in my career".[56]

At the start of the 2012–13 season, Purse was named as the club's new captain by manager Carl Fletcher.[57] The 35-year-old said he would be "honoured" to captain the club.[58] In December, he was transfer listed "with some reluctance" in the hope of releasing funds for recruitment of new players in the January 2013 transfer window.[59] In January 2013, he was reported to have begun talks with League Two club Port Vale.[60] He left Home Park by mutual consent on 4 January,[61] having made 46 appearances for Argyle in all competitions.[62]

Port Vale edit

Purse signed for Port Vale on 5 January 2013.[63] His signing was announced on the same day as the "Valiants"' League Two clash with former club Plymouth Argyle, and only a few days after centre-back John McCombe was ruled out of action for several weeks with a knee injury.[64] He was named man of the match on his debut on 12 January, as a 2–1 victory over Gillingham sent Vale to the top of the table.[65] Vale secured promotion with a third-place finish at the end of the 2012–13 season, with Purse providing experience at the back in his 17 games. He was not offered a new contract at the end of the season and was released as a free agent, with manager Micky Adams putting this decision down to the defender's age rather than as a reflection on his performances in the 17 games.[66]

Later career edit

Purse joined Northampton Town on trial in July 2013, with manager Aidy Boothroyd worried over the fitness of centre-half Kelvin Langmead.[67] The following month he signed with Finnish side IFK Mariehamn until the end of the 2013 Veikkausliiga season.[68][69] He joined Southern League Premier Division club Chesham United in January 2014, and helped the "Generals" to reach the play-off final at the end of the 2013–14 season, where they were denied promotion following a 3–1 defeat to St Albans City.[70]

In January 2015, Purse signed for Conference National club Welling United.[71] Two months later he moved on to Staines Town of the Conference South, scoring on his debut in a 1–1 draw at Farnborough.[72] Staines dropped out of the division after a last place finish in the 2014–15 campaign. Purse signed with AFC Rushden & Diamonds in December 2015.[73] He moved on to Hayes & Yeading United one month later.[74] He played 18 matches for Hayes as they were relegated at the end of the 2015–16 season. He rejoined Chesham United in July 2016.[75] He signed with National League South club Bishop's Stortford in March 2017.[76] Only one month later, he left the club and rejoined AFC Rushden & Diamonds of the Northern Premier League Division One South.[77] Rushden finished fifth at the end of the 2016–17 season, before losing to Witton Albion in the play-offs; Purse did not feature in the game.[78] In May 2017, he joined Isthmian League Premier Division club Enfield Town as both a player and as assistant manager to Andy Leese.[79]

International career edit

Purse won two caps for England at under-21 level in 1998, playing against France and South Africa.[62][80]

Coaching career edit

In July 2014 he helped to set up the Malcolm Arnold Academy in Northampton, and was appointed director of football.[81] He was appointed as under-16 coach at Oxford United in April 2018.[82] He was appointed as manager of the Cardiff City U23 team in December 2021.[83]

Style of play edit

Speaking in June 2004, Gary Megson said that Purse is "comfortable on the ball, good in the air, strong and wants to get on and win".[20] In December 2002, Steve Bruce said that "he's big, he's brave, he's honest and he's quick. He needs to learn to take the rashness out of his game and then he'll have a chance."[84] Describing himself in January 2013, Purse said he was a "no-nonsense defender... [who] can play a bit of football if I need to, but I like to organise and motivate people".[85]

Career statistics edit

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Leyton Orient 1993–94[86] Second Division 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
1994–95[86] Second Division 38 3 1 0 2 0 7[a] 2[a] 48 5
1995–96[86] Third Division 12 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 13 0
Total 55 3 1 0 2 0 8 2 66 5
Oxford United 1996–97[87] First Division 31 1 1 0 5 0 0 0 37 1
1997–98[88][89] First Division 28[b] 4 1 0 6 2 0 0 35 6
Total 59 5 2 0 11 2 0 0 72 7
Birmingham City 1997–98[88] First Division 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0
1998–99[90] First Division 20 0 0 0 3 0 1[c] 0 24 0
1999–2000[91] First Division 38 2 1 0 5 1 2[c] 0 46 3
2000–01[92] First Division 37 3 1 0 9 1 2[c] 0 49 4
2001–02[93] First Division 36 3 1 0 1 0 2[c] 0 40 3
2002–03[94] Premier League 20 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 21 1
2003–04[95] Premier League 9 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 12 0
Total 168 9 6 0 19 2 7 0 200 11
West Bromwich Albion 2004–05[96] Premier League 22 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 24 0
Cardiff City 2005–06[97] Championship 39 5 1 0 3 1 0 0 43 6
2006–07[98] Championship 31 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 33 4
2007–08[99] Championship 18 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 21 2
2008–09[100] Championship 23 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 26 0
Total 111 10 4 0 8 2 0 0 123 12
Sheffield Wednesday 2009–10[101] Championship 39 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 41 2
2010–11[102] League One 22 0 3 0 1 0 4[a] 1[a] 30 1
Total 61 2 4 0 2 0 4 1 71 3
Millwall 2010–11[102] Championship 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 1
2011–12[103] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Total 13 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 14 1
Yeovil Town (loan) 2011–12[103] League One 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Plymouth Argyle 2011–12[103] League Two 24 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 2
2012–13[104] League Two 21 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 22 0
Total 45 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 46 2
Port Vale 2012–13[104] League Two 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 2
IFK Mariehamn 2013[105] Veikkausliiga 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
Chesham United 2013–14[106] Southern League Premier 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0
2014–15[106] Southern League Premier 17 1 1 0 0 0 4[d][e][f] 0 23 0
Total 37 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 43 0
Welling United 2014–15[107] Conference Premier 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Staines Town 2014–15[105] Conference South 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1
AFC Rushden & Diamonds 2015–16[108] Southern League Division One Central 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Hayes & Yeading United 2015–16[105] National League South 18 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 1
Chesham United 2016–17[106] Southern League Premier 33 2 6 0 0 0 2[e][f] 0 41 2
Bishop's Stortford 2016–17[105] National League South 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
AFC Rushden & Diamonds 2016–17[109] Northern Premier League Division One South 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Enfield Town 2017–18[110] Isthmian League Premier Division 18 2 6 2 0 0 2[e][g] 0 26 4
Career total[h] 689 40 34 2 44 6 27 3 796 51
  1. ^ a b c d e Appearance(s) and goal/s in the EFL Trophy
  2. ^ Soccerbase omits Purse's appearance against Bury on 15 November 1997.
  3. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in the play-offs
  4. ^ Appearance(s) in the Southern League Cup
  5. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy
  6. ^ a b Appearance(s) in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup
  7. ^ Appearance(s) in the Alan Turvey Trophy
  8. ^ Statistics for Vasa IFK not recorded

Honours edit

Birmingham City

Cardiff City

Port Vale

Individual

References edit

  1. ^ a b Hugman, Barry (2007). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2007–08. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 332. ISBN 978-1-84596-246-3.
  2. ^ "Fletch happy as Purse deal is sealed at last". Plymouth Herald. 24 November 2011. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  3. ^ "Purse makes it to Wembley". Hackney Gazette. 15 May 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2008.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ McRae, Donald (25 September 2010). "Darren Purse: 'There can't be anything worse than living a lie'". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d "Blue-eyed boys - Darren Purse". Birmingham City Football Club. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  6. ^ Bowler, Dave (1 May 2005). "Darren Purse interview". firsttouchonline.com. Archived from the original on 25 October 2007. Retrieved 10 April 2008.
  7. ^ "Sporting Digest: Football". The Independent. 17 February 1998. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  8. ^ a b c "Blues shot down as Liverpool lift cup". BBC Sport. 25 February 2001. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  9. ^ "Preston shock Blues in shoot-out". BBC. 17 May 2001. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Purse seeks deal". Sunday Mercury. 3 June 2001. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  11. ^ "Francis riled by defender's persecution". The Birmingham Post. 14 September 2000. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  12. ^ Jawad, Hyder (5 September 2001). "Francis shot puts Purse in plaster". The Birmingham Post. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  13. ^ "Purse signs Blues deal". BBC Sport. 13 August 2002. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  14. ^ "Blues keen to keep Purse". BBC Sport. 21 June 2002. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  15. ^ "Purse stalls on new deal". BBC Sport. 10 June 2002. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  16. ^ "Blues won't break bank". BBC Sport. 10 July 2002. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  17. ^ "Purse hit by surgery blow". BBC Sport. 29 January 2003. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  18. ^ Sanghera, Mandeep (15 August 2003). "Purse thanks lucky stars". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  19. ^ Luckings, Steve (20 January 2004). "Purse reveals Mutu's fury". Sky Sports. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
  20. ^ a b "Baggies snatch Purse". BBC Sport. 18 June 2004. Retrieved 1 May 2007.
  21. ^ "City edge out Saints to sign Purse". Western Mail. 21 July 2005. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  22. ^ "Purse confident for future". BBC Sport. 20 June 2004. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  23. ^ Jawad, Hyder (21 July 2005). "Baggies decide to cash in on Purse". The Birmingham Post. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  24. ^ "Purse heads triple Cardiff swoop". BBC Sport. 28 July 2005. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  25. ^ "Cardiff five take cuts for Purse". BBC Sport. 21 July 2005. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  26. ^ "Purse heads triple Cardiff swoop". BBC Sport. 28 July 2005. Retrieved 1 May 2007.
  27. ^ "Skipper Purse commits to Cardiff". BBC Sport. 7 July 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  28. ^ Sanghera, Mandeep (13 September 2006). "Purse has Premiership plans". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  29. ^ "Cardiff hit by Purse surgery blow". BBC Sport. 31 August 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  30. ^ "Liverpool 2–1 Cardiff". BBC Sport. 31 October 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  31. ^ "Cardiff 0–1 Leicester". BBC Sport. 1 March 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
  32. ^ "Cardiff win Purse red card appeal". BBC Sport. 29 April 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
  33. ^ a b McNulty, Phil (17 May 2008). "Portsmouth 1–0 Cardiff". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  34. ^ "Purse aims to seal Cardiff future". BBC Sport. 10 September 2008. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  35. ^ "Plymouth 2–1 Cardiff". BBC Sport. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  36. ^ Tucker, Steve (29 November 2008). "I didn't deserve to get dropped – Bluebirds skipper". South Wales Echo. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
  37. ^ Phillips, Terry (28 January 2009). "Cardiff City captain Purse in talks with Norwich City". South Wales Echo. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  38. ^ "Darren Purse staying at Cardiff City after Norwich move called off". South Wales Echo. 30 January 2009. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  39. ^ "Purse dismisses Cardiff jitters". BBC Sport. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  40. ^ "Skipper Purse released by Cardiff". BBC Sport. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
  41. ^ "Wednesday sign Miller and Purse". BBC Sport. 18 May 2009. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  42. ^ "Laws names Owls captain". Sheffield Wednesday F.C. 14 July 2009. Archived from the original on 16 July 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2009.
  43. ^ "Darren Purse out with hamstring injury". BBC Sport. 22 February 2010. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  44. ^ a b Fletcher, Paul (2 May 2010). "Sheff Wed 2–2 Crystal Palace". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  45. ^ "Purse leaves Hillsborough". Sheffield Wednesday F.C. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 23 January 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  46. ^ "Millwall snap up defender Darren Purse". BBC Sport. 21 January 2011. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  47. ^ "Boss signs fan". Millwall FC. 21 January 2011. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 21 January 2011.
  48. ^ "Smiles all round". Millwall F.C. 24 April 2011. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
  49. ^ "Defender Darren Purse signs new Millwall contract". BBC Sport. 4 April 2011. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  50. ^ "Yeovil Town sign Darren Purse on loan from Millwall". BBC Sport. 21 October 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  51. ^ "Millwall's Purse out to prove worth during Yeovil loan". BBC Sport. 24 October 2011. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  52. ^ "Terry Skiverton backs Yeovil Town's defensive duo to shine after Darren Purse exit". Western Gazette. 25 November 2011. Archived from the original on 19 December 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  53. ^ McNichol, Rob (25 November 2011). "Fletch Happy at Purse Snatch". Plymouth Argyle F.C. Archived from the original on 26 November 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  54. ^ "Purse deal underlines club's desire to stay up". The Herald. Plymouth. 25 November 2011. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  55. ^ "Plymouth Argyle boss Carl Fletcher hails Darren Purse". BBC Sport. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  56. ^ Johnson, Dave (7 January 2013). "Defender's sole aim is promotion with the Vale". Port Vale F.C. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  57. ^ "Darren Purse is named new Plymouth Argyle captain". BBC Sport. 10 July 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  58. ^ "Darren Purse 'honoured' to be Plymouth Argyle captain". BBC Sport. 12 July 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  59. ^ "Carl Fletcher has no doubts about Darren Purse". The Herald. Plymouth. 7 December 2012. Archived from the original on 6 May 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2012.
  60. ^ "Micky Adams ready to bring in more faces after Chris Birchall deal". The Sentinel. 4 January 2013. Archived from the original on 7 January 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  61. ^ "Darren Purse leaves Plymouth Argyle – and expected to sign for Port Vale". The Herald. Plymouth. 4 January 2013. Archived from the original on 6 January 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  62. ^ a b "Darren Purse". Greens on Screen. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  63. ^ "Port Vale sign former Plymouth Argyle defender". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  64. ^ "Purse looks set to join Port Vale". The Sentinel. 5 January 2013. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  65. ^ "Debutant Purse says spirit will carry Valiants to glory". The Sentinel. 14 January 2013. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
  66. ^ "Four players released by Valiants". The Sentinel. 2 May 2013. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  67. ^ "Northampton Town assess Darren Purse move". BBC Sport. 15 July 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  68. ^ "Purse och Foster till IFK" [Purse and Foster to IFK]. Nya Åland (in Swedish). 8 August 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  69. ^ "Mariehamn vahvistui ex-valioliigatopparilla" [Mariehamn sign ex-Premier League stopper] (in Finnish). MTV3. 8 August 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  70. ^ "Frendo and Wales star in Saints play-off final triumph". St Albans Review. 5 May 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  71. ^ "Generals Lose Veteran Defender Purse To Wings". nonleaguedaily.com. 9 January 2015. Archived from the original on 17 April 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  72. ^ Youlton, Clive (7 March 2015). "Staines Town's Darren Purse on the money with debut goal". Get Surrey. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  73. ^ "Darren Purse Signs Southern League Forms". afcdiamonds.com. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  74. ^ Ross, James (8 January 2016). "Veteran defender Purse joins Hayes & Yeading United". westlondonsport.com. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  75. ^ Street, Tim (6 July 2016). "Former Birmingham City and West Brom defender Darren Purse set for Chesham United return". getbucks. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  76. ^ Whitney, Steve (17 March 2017). "Veteran Purse Signs For Bishop's Stortford - Pitchero Non-League". Pitchero Non-League. Archived from the original on 26 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  77. ^ Dunham, Jon (12 April 2017). "Peaks adds three to Diamonds squad for the run-in". Northamptonshire Telegraph. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  78. ^ "Witton Albion 1-0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds". AFC Rushden and Diamonds. 25 April 2017. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  79. ^ "Andy Leese and Darren Purse". Enfield Town F.C. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  80. ^ "Darren Purse". The Football Association. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  81. ^ Jones, Callum (9 July 2014). "Former Premier League player sets up football academy at Northampton school". Northampton Chronicle & Echo. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  82. ^ "Academy Appoint Darren Purse". Oxford United. 27 April 2018. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  83. ^ Williams, Glen (17 December 2021). "Cardiff City appoint former captain Darren Purse as new under-23s manager". WalesOnline. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  84. ^ Fletcher, Paul (15 December 2002). "Bruce backs Purse". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  85. ^ "Purse out to make different type of impact on Vale fans". The Sentinel. 8 January 2013. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  86. ^ a b c Darren Purse at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
  87. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  88. ^ a b "Games played by Darren Purse in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  89. ^ "All appearances for Darren Purse". Rage Online. Retrieved 5 December 2017.
  90. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  91. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  92. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  93. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  94. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  95. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  96. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  97. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  98. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  99. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  100. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  101. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  102. ^ a b "Games played by Darren Purse in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  103. ^ a b c "Games played by Darren Purse in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  104. ^ a b "Games played by Darren Purse in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  105. ^ a b c d Darren Purse at Soccerway
  106. ^ a b c "Darren Purse". aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  107. ^ "Games played by Darren Purse in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  108. ^ "2015/16 Player and Match Stats". AFC Rushden and Diamonds. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  109. ^ "2017/18 Player and Match Stats". Official Home of AFC Rushden and Diamonds. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  110. ^ "Statistics - 1st Team - Enfield Town Football Club". www.enfieldtownfootballclub.co.uk. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  111. ^ Sherwin, Phil; Johnson, Dave (2013), Port Vale This Side Up: 2012-2013 Promotion Celebration, BGL, ISBN 978-0-9926579-0-1

External links edit