We are delighted to announce the signing of Exeter-born left-back Ben Purrington for an undisclosed fee from Scottish Premier League side Ross County.
The 27-year old joins on an 18-month contract – with the option of a further year - and is Gary Caldwell’s second signing of the January transfer window, following Luke Harris’ loan from Fulham.
Growing up watching the Grecians from the Big Bank, Purrington returns home to the city after beginning his career down the road at Plymouth Argyle at the age of 9, coming through the Greens’ academy to make 64 first team appearances.
Purrington made the move to Championship side Rotherham United for a fee of £300k in the Janaury of 2017, signing a three-and-a-half year deal with the Millers. In August 2018 he signed on loan for AFC Wimbledon, and spent half a season in south-west London before he was recalled, joining Charlton Athletic for the remainder of 2018/19.
Purrington would join the Addicks on a permanent basis the following summer. He scored 9 goals from the left side in 115 appearances for the Valley club, totting up 5 assists. One of his nine goals came at Wembley as Charlton beat Sunderland in the League One play-off final.
Upon the expiry of his contract in the summer of 2022, he travelled north to join Ross County, where he would later be reunited with his former Argyle boss Derek Adams. Purrington leaves the Staggies with 33 appearances, two goals and an assist.
Speaking about his new recruit, manager Caldwell said: “Ben is someone we looked at in the summer but for whatever reason it didn’t work out.
“He is someone who has experience of this league and is at a great age and he will really compliment the group that we have. He is someone with good versatility and gives up another option tactically that we can play.
“He adds competition for Alex and Zak, and he is someone who wants to be here. He supports the club and all his family support the club, so he knows what it means to pull on that red and white.”
Ben will wear the no.2 shirt.