30 Facts About Darren Purse

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

Darren Purse joined Sheffield Wednesday in July 2009 and was again appointed captain.

Darren Purse 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.

Darren Purse spent close to two seasons at Brisbane Road, and scored five goals in 66 league and cup appearances for the club.

Darren Purse spent time in Finland on loan at Kakkonen club BK-IFK.

Darren Purse played at the Millennium Stadium in the 2001 League Cup final, and scored a 90th-minute penalty to take the game into extra time.

Darren Purse did 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.

Darren Purse therefore played no part in the "Survival Sunday" victory over Portsmouth that ensured the "Baggies" retained their top-flight status.

Darren Purse had made "significant errors" on the pitch, and, as at Birmingham, was deemed surplus to requirement at The Hawthorns by new boss Bryan Robson.

Darren Purse was appointed team captain, and forged a reputation for hard work and consistency as the foundation of the Cardiff defence, forming an effective partnership with Glenn Loovens.

Darren Purse signed a one-year extension to his contract at Ninian Park in July 2007.

Darren Purse contracted an infection during an operation on the injured knee that delayed his return for a much longer period.

Darren Purse scored several own goals, including a spectacular volleyed backpass that proved too powerful for Cardiff goalkeeper Peter Enckelman.

Darren Purse was 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.

Darren Purse responded by criticising his manager and stating that he did not deserve to be dropped from the side.

Darren Purse signed a two-year contract with Championship club Sheffield Wednesday in May 2009.

Darren Purse signed a one-year contract with Kenny Jackett's "Lions" in April 2011.

Darren Purse made five appearances during that time and "Glovers" manager Terry Skiverton stated that he would have liked to extend his stay at Huish Park.

In November 2011, Darren Purse moved to Plymouth Argyle on loan with a permanent 18-month contract to be signed when the transfer window opened the following January.

Darren Purse later said that helping Plymouth to stay in the league was "one of the best things I have done in my career".

Darren Purse's 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.

Darren Purse was not offered a new contract at the end of the season.

Darren Purse 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.

Darren Purse joined Northampton Town on trial in July 2013, with manager Aidy Boothroyd worried over the fitness of centre-half Kelvin Langmead.

In January 2015, Darren Purse signed for Conference National club Welling United.

Darren Purse signed with National League South club Bishop's Stortford in March 2017.

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

Darren Purse was appointed as under-16 coach at Oxford United in April 2018.

Darren Purse was appointed as manager of the Cardiff City U23 team in December 2021.

Darren Purse needs to learn to take the rashness out of his game and then he'll have a chance.