Purkiss and Featherstone sign up...
THE SADDLERS have started the week with a double capture as Ben Purkiss and Nicky Featherstone have signed deals at Banks’s Stadium.
Purkiss is a reliable right-back who started his career with hometown club, Sheffield United before drifting into the non-League game with Gainsborough Trinity, for whom he made over 100 appearances.
Moving on to York City, where he soon became a popular figure, he helped The Minstermen really Wembley on a couple of occasions in the FA Trophy and play-off Finals.
He was snapped up by Oxford United in 2010 as they returned to The Football League.
During his time with The U’s he was loaned out to Darlington before joining Hereford United on a permanent basis at the turn of this year.
In the past he has represented Great Britain at the World Student Games and also been part of the England national futsal team.
“Ben is a steady and reliable performer who has played the majority of his games at right-back but can also play in the centre of defence,” said boss, Dean Smith. “As a result he gives us options in the back-line.
“He’s a player of undoubted talent who is also a good organiser and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Meanwhile Smith has also strengthened our options in the engine room of the side with the signing of Nicky Featherstone.
The 23 year-old is a versatile and ever-willing performer who joined Hull City at the age of eight and went on to become a member of the first-team squad.
During his time with The Tigers he had a couple of loan spells at Grimsby Town and Hereford United, who eventually signed him on a permanent basis.
Becoming an important member of the team at Edgar Street, he is ready to test his ability on the League One stage.
“He is a player that I have admired for some time,” said boss, Dean Smith without hesitation. “He’s a midfielder who always makes himself available and keeps the ball well.
“On top of that, he is an intelligent player who gets into some great positions to break up the play.
“I am delighted that we have been able to bring him here.”
Purkiss has been handed squad number 14 and Featherstone will wear six for the campaign ahead. Both players have been on trial during pre-season.
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