Ben Purrington (born 20 May 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a left back, left wing-back, left midfielder or left winger for EFL League Two club Bristol Rovers.

Career

Plymouth Argyle

Purrington was born in Exeter, Devon. He joined the Plymouth Argyle youth academy in September 2005 when he was nine. He signed his first professional contract in May 2013. Seven months later, Purrington made his first-team debut in a League Two match against Oxford United, and scored his first senior goal in his fourth match; an FA Cup tie with Port Vale.

He soon became a regular in the side after an injury suffered to teammate Gary Sawyer at the beginning of the 2016–17 season.

Rotherham United

On 30 January 2017, Purrington completed a move to Championship side Rotherham United for a reported £300,000 fee, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. He made his debut in a 1–0 away defeat to Bristol City on 4 February 2017.

Loans to AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic

Purrington joined League One club AFC Wimbledon on 1 August 2018 on loan for the 2018–19 season. He scored his first goal for Wimbledon in an FA Cup tie against Halifax Town on 1 December 2018. He was recalled to Rotherham United on 10 January 2019.

On the same day as his recall, Purrington joined League One club Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of the season.

Charlton Athletic

On 2 July 2019, Purrington joined Charlton Athletic on a three-year contract.

On 13 June 2022, it was confirmed that Purrington would be leaving Charlton Athletic following the expiration of his contract.

Ross County

On 29 June 2022, Purrington signed a two-year deal at Ross County.

Exeter City

On 11 January 2024, Purrington signed an 18-month contract at Exeter City.

On 5 May 2025, Exeter announced the player would leave the club in June when his contract expired.

Cambridge United

On 23 June 2025, Purrington agreed to join League Two side Cambridge United on a one-year deal upon the expiration of his contract with Exeter City. On 6 May 2026 the club announced he was being released.

Bristol Rovers

On 11 June 2026, Purrington agreed to return to League Two following promotion the previous season, joining Bristol Rovers on a one-year deal.

Personal life

Purrington's uncle is former England rugby union player Richard Hill. Purrington is the older brother of Tom Purrington, who also plays football semi-professionally as a midfielder for Taunton Town.

Career statistics

As of match played 22 August 2026

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Plymouth Argyle2013–14League Two120210000141
2014–15League Two8010000090
2015–16League Two130000030160
2016–17League Two190300030250
Total520610060641
Rotherham United2016–17Championship100———100
2017–18League One100001010120
2018–19Championship00———00
Total200001010220
AFC Wimbledon (loan)2018–19League One260310010301
Charlton Athletic (loan)2018–19League One180——31211
Charlton Athletic2019–20Championship3120000—312
2020–21League One282102010322
2021–22League One273200021314
Total10473020621159
Ross County2022–23Scottish Premiership110005120181
2023–24Scottish Premiership1210020—141
Total231007120322
Exeter City2023–24League One121———121
2024–25League One210101040270
Total331101040391
Cambridge United2025–26League Two340300010380
Bristol Rovers2026–27League Two1100100021
Career total2881016212120233615

Honours

Rotherham United

Charlton Athletic

  • EFL League One play-offs: 2019

Cambridge United

External links

  • at the AFC Wimbledon website
  • at Soccerbase