Darren Purse

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Darren Purse

| image = Purse, Darren.jpg

| caption = Purse playing for Cardiff City in 2009

| fullname = Darren John Purse{{cite book|last=Hugman|first=Barry|title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2007–08|year=2007|publisher=Mainstream Publishing|location=Edinburgh|isbn=978-1-84596-246-3|page=332}}

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|2|14|df=y}}

| birth_place = Stepney, England

| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}{{cite news |title=Fletch happy as Purse deal is sealed at last |url=http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Fletch-happy-Purse-deal-sealed/story-13937965-detail/story.html |access-date=4 January 2013 |newspaper=Plymouth Herald |date=24 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505134939/http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Fletch-happy-Purse-deal-sealed/story-13937965-detail/story.html%23axzz2SQT42MpB |archive-date=5 May 2013}}

| position = Centre-back

| currentclub =

| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 =

| years1 = 1994–1996 | clubs1 = Leyton Orient | caps1 = 55 | goals1 = 3

| years2 = 1996 | clubs2 = → BK-IFK (loan) | caps2 = | goals2 =

| years3 = 1996–1998 | clubs3 = Oxford United | caps3 = 59 | goals3 = 5

| years4 = 1998–2004 | clubs4 = Birmingham City | caps4 = 168 | goals4 = 9

| years5 = 2004–2005 | clubs5 = West Bromwich Albion | caps5 = 22 | goals5 = 0

| years6 = 2005–2009 | clubs6 = Cardiff City | caps6 = 111 | goals6 = 10

| years7 = 2009–2011 | clubs7 = Sheffield Wednesday | caps7 = 61 | goals7 = 2

| years8 = 2011–2012 | clubs8 = Millwall | caps8 = 13 | goals8 = 1

| years9 = 2011 | clubs9 = → Yeovil Town (loan) | caps9 = 5 | goals9 = 0

| years10 = 2011–2012 | clubs10 = → Plymouth Argyle (loan) | caps10 = 3 | goals10 = 0

| years11 = 2012–2013 | clubs11 = Plymouth Argyle | caps11 = 42 | goals11 = 2

| years12 = 2013 | clubs12 = Port Vale | caps12 = 17 | goals12 = 2

| years13 = 2013 | clubs13 = IFK Mariehamn | caps13 = 6 | goals13 = 0

| years14 = 2014–2015 | clubs14 = Chesham United | caps14 = 37 | goals14 = 0

| years15 = 2015 | clubs15 = Welling United | caps15 = 5 | goals15 = 0

| years16 = 2015 | clubs16 = Staines Town | caps16 = 10 | goals16 = 1

| years17 = 2015–2016 | clubs17 = AFC Rushden & Diamonds | caps17 = 1 | goals17 = 0

| years18 = 2016 | clubs18 = Hayes & Yeading United| caps18 = 18 | goals18 = 1

| years19 = 2016–2017 | clubs19 = Chesham United | caps19 = 33 | goals19 = 2

| years20 = 2017 | clubs20 = Bishop's Stortford | caps20 = 5 | goals20 = 0

| years21 = 2017 | clubs21 = AFC Rushden & Diamonds | caps21 = 0 | goals21 = 0

| years22 = 2017–2018 | clubs22 = Enfield Town | caps22 = 18 | goals22 = 2

| totalcaps = 689| totalgoals = 40

| nationalyears1 = 1998 | nationalteam1 = England U21 | nationalcaps1 = 2 | nationalgoals1 = 0

| manageryears1 = 2021–

| managerclubs1 = Cardiff City U23s

}}

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

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 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. Throughout his 24-year playing career, he made 796 league and cup appearances, scoring 51 goals.

Club career

=Leyton Orient=

Purse was born in Stepney, London and attended Cardinal Pole Roman Catholic School in Hackney.{{Cite news|title=Purse makes it to Wembley |url=http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/content/hackney/gazette/sport/story.aspx?brand=HKYGOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sporthkyg&itemid=WeED14%20May%202008%2014%3A35%3A52%3A627 |publisher=Hackney Gazette |date=15 May 2008 |access-date=17 May 2008 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} As a youngster Purse played in the same Sunday league side as Lee Bowyer.{{cite news|last=McRae|first=Donald|title=Darren Purse: 'There can't be anything worse than living a lie'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/sep/25/darren-purse-openly-gay-footballers|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|date=25 September 2010}} 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.{{cite news |title=Blue-eyed boys - Darren Purse |url=https://www.bcfc.com/news/articles/2018/blue-eyed-boys-darren-purse/ |access-date=29 September 2019 |work=Birmingham City Football Club |date=21 May 2018 |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929092211/https://www.bcfc.com/news/articles/2018/blue-eyed-boys-darren-purse/ |url-status=dead }} 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. 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=

In July 1996, Purse was signed by Oxford United for a £100,000 fee.{{cite web |url=http://www.firsttouchonline.com/db/db1_6_05purse.html |title=Darren Purse interview |first=Dave |last=Bowler |website=firsttouchonline.com |date=1 May 2005 |access-date=10 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025001457/http://www.firsttouchonline.com/db/db1_6_05purse.html |archive-date=25 October 2007}} 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=

Purse joined Birmingham City for £600,000 plus Kevin Francis (valued at £100,000) in February 1998.{{cite news|title=Sporting Digest: Football|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/sporting-digest-football-1145374.html|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Independent|date=17 February 1998}} He started just two First Division games at the end of the 1997–98 season after making an unimpressive debut. 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". 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.{{cite news|title=Blues shot down as Liverpool lift cup|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/worthington_cup/1187654.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 February 2001}} He also converted his penalty in the shoot-out, which was won by Liverpool 5–4. 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.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1334415.stm|title=Preston shock Blues in shoot-out|publisher=BBC |date=17 May 2001 |access-date=4 April 2024}} 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.{{cite news|title=Purse seeks deal|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Purse+seeks+deal.-a075251664|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=Sunday Mercury|date=3 June 2001}} This represented a significant turnaround for a young defender who was barracked by City supporters at the start of the campaign.{{cite news|title=Francis riled by defender's persecution|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Francis+riled+by+defender%27s+persecution.-a065212672|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Birmingham Post|date=14 September 2000}}

He missed the start of the 2001–02 season after a training ground shot from manager Trevor Francis broke his wrist.{{cite news|last=Jawad|first=Hyder|title=Francis shot puts Purse in plaster|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Francis+shot+puts+Purse+in+plaster.-a077837234|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Birmingham Post|date=5 September 2001}} 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).{{cite news|title=Purse signs Blues deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/2191225.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 August 2002}} 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.{{cite news|title=Blues keen to keep Purse|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/2056973.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 June 2002}}{{cite news|title=Purse stalls on new deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/2037387.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 June 2002}} 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).{{cite news|title=Blues won't break bank|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/2119427.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 July 2002}} However, he missed a large chunk of the 2002–03 season after his ankle became infected following surgery.{{cite news|title=Purse hit by surgery blow|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/2706161.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 January 2003}}{{cite news|last=Sanghera|first=Mandeep|title=Purse thanks lucky stars|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/3153891.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2003}}

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.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/2288750/purse-reveals-mutus-fury |title=Purse reveals Mutu's fury |first=Steve |last=Luckings |publisher=Sky Sports |date=20 January 2004 |access-date=24 October 2016}}

=West Bromwich Albion=

Purse moved to Gary Megson's West Bromwich Albion for £750,000 in June 2004.{{cite news|date=18 June 2004|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/3797713.stm|title=Baggies snatch Purse|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=1 May 2007}}{{cite news|title=City edge out Saints to sign Purse|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/City+edge+out+Saints+to+sign+Purse.-a0134234768|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=Western Mail|date=21 July 2005}} On signing with the club he said "I've probably got the best years of my career ahead of me."{{cite news|title=Purse confident for future|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/3823887.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 June 2004}} 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.{{cite news|last=Jawad|first=Hyder|title=Baggies decide to cash in on Purse.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOOTBALL%3a+Baggies+decide+to+cash+in+on+Purse.-a0134233525|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Birmingham Post|date=21 July 2005}}

=Cardiff City=

In July 2005, Purse moved to Cardiff City in a deal worth just under £1 million.{{cite news|title=Purse heads triple Cardiff swoop|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/4697199.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 July 2005}} 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.{{cite news|title=Cardiff five take cuts for Purse|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/4703633.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 July 2005}} He was appointed team captain,{{cite news|date=28 July 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/4697199.stm|title=Purse heads triple Cardiff swoop|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=1 May 2007}} 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.{{cite news|title=Skipper Purse commits to Cardiff|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/6280306.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 July 2007}}

{{Blockquote|"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.{{cite news|last=Sanghera|first=Mandeep|title=Purse has Premiership plans|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/5342530.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 September 2006}} }}

In August 2007, he received an injury to his knee cartilage. It was expected that he would be unavailable for up to four weeks.{{cite news|title=Cardiff hit by Purse surgery blow|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/6972318.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2007}} 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.{{cite news|title=Liverpool 2–1 Cardiff|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7065191.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 October 2007}} 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.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7260434.stm |title=Cardiff 0–1 Leicester |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2008 |access-date=26 August 2008}} He was also labelled a "muppet" by Burnley forward Andy 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.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/7369264.stm |title=Cardiff win Purse red card appeal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 April 2008 |access-date=26 August 2008}} 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.{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Portsmouth 1–0 Cardiff|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7393770.stm|access-date=25 March 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 May 2008}}

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.{{cite news|title=Purse aims to seal Cardiff future|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/7608311.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 September 2008}} 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.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7727300.stm |title=Plymouth 2–1 Cardiff |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2008 |access-date=12 December 2008}} Purse responded by criticising his manager and stating that he did not deserve to be dropped from the side.{{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/didnt-deserve-dropped--bluebirds-2142743 |title=I didn't deserve to get dropped – Bluebirds skipper |first=Steve |last=Tucker |newspaper=South Wales Echo |date=29 November 2008 |access-date=5 December 2017}} 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,{{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-captain-purse-talks-2131579 |title=Cardiff City captain Purse in talks with Norwich City |first=Terry |last=Phillips |newspaper=South Wales Echo |date=28 January 2009 |access-date=12 December 2008}} but Cardiff could not find a suitable replacement in time and the move was cancelled.{{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/darren-purse-staying-cardiff-city-2131903 |title=Darren Purse staying at Cardiff City after Norwich move called off |newspaper=South Wales Echo |date=30 January 2009 |access-date=12 December 2008}} Able to secure a play-off place on the last day of the 2008–09 season,{{cite news|title=Purse dismisses Cardiff jitters|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/8025038.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 April 2009}} 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 on his contract, so he left the club.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/8042634.stm |title=Skipper Purse released by Cardiff |date=10 May 2009 |access-date=10 May 2009 |publisher=BBC Sport}}

=Sheffield Wednesday=

File:Darren Purse.jpg in April 2010]]

Purse signed a two-year contract with Championship club Sheffield Wednesday in May 2009.{{cite news|title=Wednesday sign Miller and Purse|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/8056281.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 May 2009}} He was immediately named as team captain.{{Cite web |url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~1720972,00.html |title=Laws names Owls captain |publisher=Sheffield Wednesday F.C. |date=14 July 2009 |access-date=19 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716175840/http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10304~1720972%2C00.html |archive-date=16 July 2009}} He made 41 appearances in the 2009–10 season, only missing a handful of games due to a hamstring injury.{{cite news|title=Darren Purse out with hamstring injury|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/8529301.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 February 2010}} 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.{{cite news|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|title=Sheff Wed 2–2 Crystal Palace|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8646785.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 May 2010}} 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.

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.{{cite web |url=http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~2272045,00.html |title=Purse leaves Hillsborough |publisher=Sheffield Wednesday F.C |date=20 January 2011 |access-date=20 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123225046/http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10304~2272045%2C00.html |archive-date=23 January 2011}}

=Millwall=

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.{{cite news|title=Millwall snap up defender Darren Purse|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/9369239.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 January 2011}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.millwallfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10367~2272425,00.html |title=Boss signs fan |date=21 January 2011 |access-date=21 January 2011 |publisher=Millwall FC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905165704/http://www.millwallfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10367~2272425,00.html |archive-date=5 September 2012}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.millwallfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10367~2345541,00.html |title=Smiles all round |publisher=Millwall F.C |date=24 April 2011 |access-date=13 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908080114/http://www.millwallfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10367~2345541,00.html |archive-date=8 September 2012}} He signed a one-year contract with Kenny Jackett's "Lions" in April 2011.{{cite news|title=Defender Darren Purse signs new Millwall contract|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/12958919|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 April 2011}}

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.{{cite news|title=Yeovil Town sign Darren Purse on loan from Millwall|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15406299.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=25 November 2011|date=21 October 2011}}{{cite news|title=Millwall's Purse out to prove worth during Yeovil loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15429075|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 October 2011}} 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.{{cite news|title=Terry Skiverton backs Yeovil Town's defensive duo to shine after Darren Purse exit|url=http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Terry-Skiverton-backs-Yeovil-Town-s-defensive-duo/story-13941674-detail/story.html|access-date=25 November 2011|newspaper=Western Gazette|date=25 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219130847/http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Terry-Skiverton-backs-Yeovil-Town-s-defensive-duo/story-13941674-detail/story.html|archive-date=19 December 2011}}

=Plymouth Argyle=

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.{{cite web|last=McNichol|first=Rob|title=Fletch Happy at Purse Snatch|url=http://www.pafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10364~2527721,00.html|publisher=Plymouth Argyle F.C|access-date=25 November 2011|date=25 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126094805/http://www.pafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10364~2527721%2C00.html|archive-date=26 November 2011}}{{cite news|title=Purse deal underlines club's desire to stay up|url=http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Purse-deal-underlines-club-s-desire-stay/story-13950772-detail/story.html|access-date=25 November 2011|newspaper=The Herald|location=Plymouth|date=25 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411055620/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Purse-deal-underlines-club-s-desire-stay/story-13950772-detail/story.html |archive-date=11 April 2016}} 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.{{cite news|title=Plymouth Argyle boss Carl Fletcher hails Darren Purse|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17895120|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 April 2012}} He later said that helping Plymouth to stay in the league was "one of the best things I have done in my career".{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Dave|title=Defender's sole aim is promotion with the Vale|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20130107-purse-looking-forward-to-challenge-584256.aspx|access-date=7 January 2013|publisher=Port Vale F.C.|date=7 January 2013}}

At the start of the 2012–13 season, Purse was named as the club's new captain by manager Carl Fletcher.{{cite news |title=Darren Purse is named new Plymouth Argyle captain |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18779758 |access-date=17 December 2012 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 July 2012}} The 35-year-old said he would be "honoured" to captain the club.{{cite news|title=Darren Purse 'honoured' to be Plymouth Argyle captain|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18809914|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 July 2012}} 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.{{cite news |title=Carl Fletcher has no doubts about Darren Purse |url=http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Carl-Fletcher-doubts-Darren-Purse/story-17522401-detail/story.html |access-date=17 December 2012 |work=The Herald |location=Plymouth |date=7 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130506205640/http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Carl-Fletcher-doubts-Darren-Purse/story-17522401-detail/story.html%23axzz2SY3EsOwy |archive-date=6 May 2013}} In January 2013, he was reported to have begun talks with League Two club Port Vale.{{cite news|title=Micky Adams ready to bring in more faces after Chris Birchall deal|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-ready-bring-faces-Chris/story-17757370-detail/story.html|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=4 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107030834/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-ready-bring-faces-Chris/story-17757370-detail/story.html|archive-date=7 January 2013}} He left Home Park by mutual consent on 4 January,{{cite news|title=Darren Purse leaves Plymouth Argyle – and expected to sign for Port Vale|url=http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Darren-Purse-leaves-Plymouth-Argyle-expected-sign/story-17758904-detail/story.html|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Herald|location=Plymouth|date=4 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106115900/http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Darren-Purse-leaves-Plymouth-Argyle-expected-sign/story-17758904-detail/story.html|archive-date=6 January 2013}} having made 46 appearances for Argyle in all competitions.{{cite web|title=Darren Purse|url=http://www.greensonscreen.co.uk/gosdb-players2.asp?pid=1035|publisher=Greens on Screen|access-date=4 January 2013}}

=Port Vale=

Purse signed for Port Vale on 5 January 2013.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20921229|title=Port Vale sign former Plymouth Argyle defender | publisher = BBC Sport |access-date=5 January 2013}} 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.{{cite news|title=Purse looks set to join Port Vale|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Purse-looks-set-join-Port-Vale/story-17768405-detail/story.html|access-date=5 January 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=5 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505075407/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Purse-looks-set-join-Port-Vale/story-17768405-detail/story.html%23axzz2SP1pcjmp|archive-date=5 May 2013}} 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.{{cite news|title=Debutant Purse says spirit will carry Valiants to glory|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Debutant-Purse-says-spirit-carry/story-17853155-detail/story.html|access-date=14 January 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=14 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505073140/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Debutant-Purse-says-spirit-carry/story-17853155-detail/story.html%23axzz2SOw88YTo|archive-date=5 May 2013}} 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. He was released as a free agent, with manager Micky Adams putting this decision down to the defender's age rather than as a reflection of his performances in the 17 games.{{cite news|title=Four players released by Valiants|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-players-released-Valiants/story-18866327-detail/story.html|access-date=2 May 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=2 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505073140/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Debutant-Purse-says-spirit-carry/story-17853155-detail/story.html%23axzz2SOw88YTo|archive-date=5 May 2013}}

=Later career=

Purse joined Northampton Town on trial in July 2013, with manager Aidy Boothroyd worried over the fitness of centre-half Kelvin Langmead.{{cite news|title=Northampton Town assess Darren Purse move|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23317357|access-date=21 July 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 July 2013}} The following month he signed with Finnish side IFK Mariehamn until the end of the 2013 Veikkausliiga season.{{cite news|title=Purse och Foster till IFK|language=sv|trans-title=Purse and Foster to IFK|url=http://nyan.ax/nyheter/?news_id=78377|access-date=10 August 2013|newspaper=Nya Åland|date=8 August 2013}}{{cite web|title=Mariehamn vahvistui ex-valioliigatopparilla|url=http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/futis/veikkausliiga/uutiset.shtml/2013/08/1789586/mariehamn-vahvistui-ex-valioliigatopparilla|language=fi|trans-title=Mariehamn sign ex-Premier League stopper|publisher=MTV3|access-date=10 August 2013|date=8 August 2013}} 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.{{cite news|title=Frendo and Wales star in Saints play-off final triumph|url=http://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/sport/11192642.Conference_calling_as_Saints_overpower_Chesham/|access-date=5 May 2014|newspaper=St Albans Review|date=5 May 2014}}

In January 2015, Purse signed for Conference National club Welling United.{{cite news|title=Generals Lose Veteran Defender Purse To Wings|url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/headlines/generals-lose-veteran-defender-purse-to-wings.html|access-date=9 January 2015|publisher=nonleaguedaily.com|date=9 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417143934/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/headlines/generals-lose-veteran-defender-purse-to-wings.html|archive-date=17 April 2015|url-status=usurped}} Two months later he moved on to Staines Town of the Conference South, scoring on his debut in a 1–1 draw at Farnborough.{{cite news|last1=Youlton|first1=Clive|title=Staines Town's Darren Purse on the money with debut goal|url=http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/staines-towns-darren-purse-money-8795236|access-date=8 March 2015|work=Get Surrey|date=7 March 2015}} 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.{{cite web|title=Darren Purse Signs Southern League Forms|url=http://www.afcdiamonds.com/darren-purse-signs-southern-league-forms|website=afcdiamonds.com|access-date=25 December 2015}} He moved on to Hayes & Yeading United one month later.{{cite web|last1=Ross|first1=James|title=Veteran defender Purse joins Hayes & Yeading United|url=http://www.westlondonsport.com/non-league/football-wls-united-sign-former-birmingham-city-and-west-brom-defender|website=westlondonsport.com|date=8 January 2016|access-date=13 January 2016}} 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.{{cite news|last1=Street|first1=Tim|title=Former Birmingham City and West Brom defender Darren Purse set for Chesham United return|url=http://www.getbucks.co.uk/sport/football/news/former-birmingham-city-west-brom-11574101|access-date=2 September 2016|work=getbucks|date=6 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915115309/http://www.getbucks.co.uk/sport/football/news/former-birmingham-city-west-brom-11574101|archive-date=15 September 2016}} He signed with National League South club Bishop's Stortford in March 2017.{{cite news|last1=Whitney|first1=Steve|title=Veteran Purse Signs For Bishop's Stortford - Pitchero Non-League|url=http://nonleague.pitchero.com/veteran-purse-signs-bishops-stortford/|access-date=25 March 2017|work=Pitchero Non-League|date=17 March 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326051909/http://nonleague.pitchero.com/veteran-purse-signs-bishops-stortford/|archive-date=26 March 2017}} Only one month later, he left the club and rejoined AFC Rushden & Diamonds of the Northern Premier League Division One South.{{cite news|last1=Dunham|first1=Jon|title=Peaks adds three to Diamonds squad for the run-in|url=http://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/peaks-adds-three-to-diamonds-squad-for-the-run-in-1-7881954|access-date=12 April 2017|work=Northamptonshire Telegraph|date=12 April 2017|language=en|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206010005/https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/peaks-adds-three-to-diamonds-squad-for-the-run-in-1-7881954|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite news|title=Witton Albion 1-0 AFC Rushden & Diamonds|url=http://www.afcdiamonds.com/witton-albion-1-0-afc-rushden-diamonds|access-date=14 May 2017|publisher=AFC Rushden and Diamonds|date=25 April 2017}} In May 2017, he joined Isthmian League Premier Division club Enfield Town as both a player and as assistant manager to Andy Leese.{{cite news|title=Andy Leese and Darren Purse|url=http://www.enfieldtownfootballclub.co.uk/news/andy-leese-and-darren-purse-1814926.html|access-date=29 May 2017|publisher=Enfield Town F.C.|date=27 May 2017}}

International career

Purse won two caps for England at under-21 level in 1998, playing against France and South Africa.{{cite web|title=Darren Purse|url=http://www.thefa.com/england/All-Teams/Players?p=14395|publisher=The Football Association|access-date=10 August 2013}}

Coaching career

In July 2014, he helped to set up the Malcolm Arnold Academy in Northampton and was appointed director of football.{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Callum|title=Former Premier League player sets up football academy at Northampton school|url=https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/education/former-premier-league-player-sets-up-football-academy-at-northampton-school-1-6166440|access-date=28 April 2018|work=Northampton Chronicle & Echo|date=9 July 2014|language=en|archive-date=29 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429091913/https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/education/former-premier-league-player-sets-up-football-academy-at-northampton-school-1-6166440|url-status=dead}} He was appointed as under-16 coach at Oxford United in April 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.oufc.co.uk/news/2018/april/darren-purse-joins-oxford-united/ |title=Academy Appoint Darren Purse |publisher=Oxford United |date=27 April 2018 |access-date=27 April 2018}} He was appointed as manager of the Cardiff City U23 team in December 2021.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Glen |title=Cardiff City appoint former captain Darren Purse as new under-23s manager |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-appoint-former-captain-22497778 |access-date=17 December 2021 |work=WalesOnline |date=17 December 2021 |language=en}}

Style of play

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". 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."{{cite news|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|title=Bruce backs Purse|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2578007.stm|access-date=4 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 December 2002}} 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".{{cite news|title=Purse out to make different type of impact on Vale fans|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Purse-make-different-type-impact-Vale/story-17791200-detail/story.html|access-date=8 January 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=8 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505113055/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Purse-make-different-type-impact-Vale/story-17791200-detail/story.html%23axzz2SPuMmyaL|archive-date=5 May 2013}}

Career statistics

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|National cup !colspan="2"\|League cup !colspan="2"\|Other !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="4"\|Leyton Orient	1993–94{{ENFA}}	Second Division	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0
1994–95	Second Division	38	3	1	0	2	0	7{{efn\|name=efl}}	2{{efn\|name=efl}}	48	5
1995–96	Third Division	12	0	0	0	0	0	1{{efn\|name=efl}}	0	13	0
colspan="2"\|Total !55	3	1	0	2	0	8	2	66	5
rowspan="3"\|Oxford United	1996–97{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=1996\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	First Division	31	1	1	0	5	0	0	0	37	1
1997–98{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=1997\|access-date=1 January 2017}}{{cite web \|url=http://www.rageonline.co.uk/mainpage/adhoc/102/187/ \|title=All appearances for Darren Purse \|work=Rage Online \|access-date=5 December 2017}}	First Division	28Soccerbase omits Purse's appearance against Bury on 15 November 1997.	4	1	0	6	2	0	0	35	6
colspan="2"\|Total !59	5	2	0	11	2	0	0	72	7
rowspan="8"\|Birmingham City	1997–98	First Division	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	0
1998–99{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=1998\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	First Division	20	0	0	0	3	0	1{{efn\|name=pof\|Appearance(s) in the play-offs}}	0	24	0
1999–2000{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=1999\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	First Division	38	2	1	0	5	1	2{{efn\|name=pof}}	0	46	3
2000–01{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2000\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	First Division	37	3	1	0	9	1	2{{efn\|name=pof}}	0	49	4
2001–02{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2001\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	First Division	36	3	1	0	1	0	2{{efn\|name=pof}}	0	40	3
2002–03{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2002\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Premier League	20	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	21	1
2003–04{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2003\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Premier League	9	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	12	0
colspan="2"\|Total !168	9	6	0	19	2	7	0	200	11
West Bromwich Albion	2004–05{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2004\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Premier League	22	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	24	0
rowspan="5"\|Cardiff City	2005–06{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2005\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Championship	39	5	1	0	3	1	0	0	43	6
2006–07{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2006\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Championship	31	4	2	0	0	0	0	0	33	4
2007–08{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2007\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Championship	18	1	0	0	3	1	0	0	21	2
2008–09{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2008\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Championship	23	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	26	0
colspan="2"\|Total !111	10	4	0	8	2	0	0	123	12
rowspan="3"\|Sheffield Wednesday	2009–10{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2009\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Championship	39	2	1	0	1	0	0	0	41	2
2010–11{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2010\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	League One	22	0	3	0	1	0	4{{efn\|name=efl\|Appearance(s) and goal(s) in the EFL Trophy}}	1{{efn\|name=efl}}	30	1
colspan="2"\|Total !61	2	4	0	2	0	4	1	71	3
rowspan="3"\|Millwall	2010–11	Championship	13	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	13	1
2011–12{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2011\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Championship	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0
colspan="2"\|Total !13	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	14	1
Yeovil Town (loan)	2011–12	League One	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0
rowspan="3"\|Plymouth Argyle	2011–12	League Two	24	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	24	2
2012–13{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2012\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	League Two	21	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	22	0
colspan="2"\|Total !45	2	0	0	1	0	0	0	46	2
Port Vale	2012–13	League Two	17	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	17	2
IFK Mariehamn	2013	Veikkausliiga	6	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	7	0
rowspan="3"\|Chesham United	2013–14{{cite web\|title=Darren Purse\|url=http://www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk/players/darren-purse#playingcareer\|website=aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk\|access-date=26 January 2016}}	Southern League Premier	20	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	20	0
2014–15	Southern League Premier	17	1	1	0	0	0	4{{efn\|name=slc\|Appearance(s) in the Southern League Cup}}{{efn\|name=fat}}{{efn\|name=bbs}}	0	23	0
colspan="2"\|Total !37	0	2	0	0	0	4	0	43	0
Welling United	2014–15{{Soccerbase season\|id=6510\|season=2014\|access-date=1 January 2017}}	Conference Premier	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0
Staines Town	2014–15{{Soccerway\|darren-purse/15877\|Darren Purse}}	Conference South	10	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	10	1
AFC Rushden & Diamonds	2015–16{{cite web\|title=2015/16 Player and Match Stats\|url=http://www.afcdiamonds.com/201516-player-and-match-stats\|publisher=AFC Rushden and Diamonds\|access-date=25 March 2017}}	Southern League Division One Central	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Hayes & Yeading United	2015–16	National League South	18	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	18	1
Chesham United	2016–17	Southern League Premier	33	2	6	0	0	0	2{{efn\|name=fat\|Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy}}{{efn\|name=bbs\|Appearance(s) in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup}}	0	41	2
Bishop's Stortford	2016–17	National League South	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	0
AFC Rushden & Diamonds	2016–17{{cite web\|title=2017/18 Player and Match Stats\|url=http://www.afcdiamonds.com/201718-player-and-match-stats\|website=Official Home of AFC Rushden and Diamonds\|access-date=28 April 2018}}	Northern Premier League Division One South	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Enfield Town	2017–18{{cite web\|title=Statistics - 1st Team - Enfield Town Football Club\|url=http://www.enfieldtownfootballclub.co.uk/teams/65370/statistics?season=46827&fixture_type=league\|website=www.enfieldtownfootballclub.co.uk\|access-date=28 April 2018\|language=en}}	Isthmian League Premier Division	18	2	6	2	0	0	2{{efn\|name=fat}}{{efn\|name=att\|Appearance(s) in the Alan Turvey Trophy}}	0	26	4
colspan="3"\|Career total{{efn\|name=not\|Statistics for Vasa IFK not recorded}} !689	40	34	2	44	6	27	3	796	51

Honours

Birmingham City

Football League Cup runner-up: 2000–01

Cardiff City

FA Cup runner-up: 2007–08

Port Vale

Football League Two third-place promotion: 2012–13{{Citation|last1=Sherwin|first1=Phil|first2=Dave |last2=Johnson|title=Port Vale This Side Up: 2012-2013 Promotion Celebration|publisher=BGL|year=2013|isbn=978-0-9926579-0-1}}

Individual