Benjamin John Purkiss (born 1 April 1984) is an English former professional footballer and former chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). Having failed to break into the Sheffield United first-team, he joined Gainsborough Trinity in 2003. He spent four years at the club before winning a move to York City in 2007. He played for York in the 2009 FA Trophy Final and 2010 Conference Premier play-off Final, both of which ended in defeat. He signed with Oxford United in May 2010, and after one season with the club was loaned out to Darlington, before he was allowed to join Hereford United in January 2012. He joined Walsall in August 2012, and spent three seasons with the club, appearing on the losing team in the 2015 Football League Trophy final. He joined Port Vale in June 2015, and was appointed as joint-captain the following year. He switched to Swindon Town in June 2017, and then rejoined Walsall in October 2018. He was elected as chairman of the PFA in November 2017. He served in the role for four years. Club career Sheffield United Born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Purkiss progressed through the Sheffield United youth system and was included in the first-team for the 2003–04 season. Gainsborough Trinity He was released by United in 2003 and joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Gainsborough Trinity, choosing to pursue a career in semi-professional football while studying for a degree in French and Law at the University of Sheffield. He made his debut for Gainsborough in a 2–0 defeat to Stalybridge Celtic on 16 August. He played in a 7–1 defeat to Second Division team Brentford in the FA Cup first round on 8 November. Purkiss was targeted by Third Division club Scunthorpe United and was handed a trial at the club in December 2003. He finished the season with 34 appearances for Gainsborough and signed a new one-year contract on 5 May 2004. He scored his first goal in a 2–1 defeat to Alfreton Town on 17 August. He completed 2004–05 with 37 appearances 1 one goal. His 2005–06 season was restricted to 15 appearances due to his studies in France. He started in a 3–1 defeat to League Two team Barnet in the FA Cup first round on 11 November 2006. York City Purkiss joined Conference National club York City on loan until the end of 2006–07 on 22