Cambridge defender Purrington joins Bristol Rovers

Ben Purrington played 38 times for Cambridge in 2025-26 [Rex Features] Bristol Rovers have signed defender Ben Purrington from Cambridge United on a one-year contract. The full-back helped secure promotion to League One with Neil Harris' side last season, playing 38 times in all competitions. "It's nice to get things done early and it was an easy decision really when I consider location, the stature of the club and the ambition being shown in terms of pushing for promotion," the 30-year-old told the club website. "The gaffer has shown interest before at previous clubs and we've crossed paths before, playing against each other several times over the years. "I know a few faces in the squad, like Richie Smallwood from our time at Rotherham together." Purrington has made over 200 EFL appearances, and won promotion from League One on two occasions with Charlton and Rotherham. He had a brief spell at Ross County before joining Cambridge at the start of 2025-26. Purrington joins Smallwood, Kofi Balmer , Brad Young , and Ellis Harrison who have all signed for next season.