Ben Purrington: Exeter City defender 'honoured' to be at hometown club

Ben Purrington has started three games and made two further substitute appearances for Exeter City since joining in January

Ben Purrington says it is an honour to play for his hometown club.

The 27-year-old joined the Grecians from Scottish side Ross County in January and has played more than 200 games across the Scottish top flight and all three tiers of the EFL.

He has recently returned to action having been sidelined for almost four weeks with a leg injury.

"When I first signed I was really looking forward to getting out in front of the home crowd," Purrington said.

"You see family and friends, old faces that you know from around the city.

"It's quite a privilege to be able to play for my hometown club and it's also a responsibility that you have to go on the pitch and perform because there's lots of pressure there.

"I'm honoured to be able to play for my hometown club and just hopefully play as many games as I can when I am here," he told BBC Radio Devon.

Purrington began his career at Exeter's fierce rivals Plymouth Argyle before joining Rotherham United seven years ago.

He went on to spend three years at Charlton Athletic before agreeing a move to Ross County in the summer of 2022.

He has played five times for City since his January move, and while known as a left-sided player, has spent time in the middle of midfield under Exeter boss Gary Caldwell - a move he has grasped with enthusiasm.

"The majority of my career I've played anywhere down the left or left centre-half," he explained.

"When I was younger I did play centre midfield a bit, more defensive-minded.

"When I was at Plymouth I had a spell in centre midfield. I feel that I can do a job there. I feel comfortable playing there.

"It's just one of those that when you haven't played there for so long it's getting used to being back in that position and understanding how the manager wants different profiles of player in the middle of the park.

"We've got really good players in there and a lot of really good ball players, it's one of those where I can probably bring something a little bit different, maybe a bit more defensive-minded."