Former Walsall defender Ben Purkiss, who was released at the end of last season, has today penned a two-year deal with the Saddlers' near-rivals Port Vale.
31-year-old Sheffield born Purkiss began his career as an apprentice at Sheffield United, and signed pro terms in 2003, he was however released by The Blades very soon after.
Ben then went on to join non-league outfit Gainsborough Trinity after deciding to pursue a career in semi-professional football while studying for a degree in French and Law at the University of Sheffield. He made his debut for Gainsborough versus Stalybridge Celtic on 16th August 2003.
Purkiss made over 110 appearances for Gainsborough before joining York City near the end of the 2006/2007 season, the deal was originally a loan before it became permanent soon after.
Ben again made over 110 appearances for The Ministermen including the 2010 Blue Square Bet Premier League play-off Final at Wembley on 16 May 2010, which was lost 3–1 to Oxford United.
After rejecting a new contract with York City Ben joined then newly promoted npower League Two side Oxford United in May 2010, after an unsuccessful season Ben was made available for loan by Oxford in March 2011, and told he could leave the club permanently the following summer. Ben was loaned to Blue Square Bet side Darlington on one-month loan in August, which was extended for a further two months in September. He returned to Oxford in November.
He left Oxford in January 2012 after being released from his contract and subsequently signed for Hereford United, for whom he went on to make around fifteen appearances.
After leaving Edgar Street Purkiss signed for the Saddlers on a one-year contract, upon the recommendation of then Walsall coach Richard O’Kelly who had a brief spell in charge of the Bulls.
Ben went on to make aver eighty appearances and despite having much competition was often first-choice at right-back, we wish him well with the Valiants.