Bristol Rovers looking to finalise Ben Purrington on a pre-contract, while Bobby Kamwa is on winger shortlist
17:00, 28 May 2026Updated 17:02, 28 May 2026
Ben Purrington of Exeter City during the Sky Bet League Match between Exeter City and Shrewsbury Town at St James Park, Devon on 8 March 2025. Photo: Frankie OKeeffe/PPAUK
Bristol Live understands that Ben Purrington has agreed to join Bristol Rovers on a pre-contract, as per sources in Cambridge.
Rovers were battling against two League Two clubs to secure the left-back’s signature, and after talks with Evans last week, the 30-year-old has decided to join the Gas.
We also understand that Evans has been a long-term admirer of Purrington, as the manager tried to sign him twice during his time at Stevenage.
With his deal at the U’s set to expire at the end of June, a pre-contract agreement to move to the Gas will be finalised in the next couple of days.
Purrington joins Ciaran Kelly, Kofi Balmer, and Richie Smallwood as players to agree pre-contracts with Rovers this summer.
The club are also currently working hard to sign a number 10 and a winger, as Evans looks to bolster the attacking areas of the pitch.
We understand that Newport County’s Bobby Kamwa is one of three wide players being considered after the initial shortlist was reduced from six.
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Bobby Kamwa of Newport County during the Emirates FA Cup Second Round match between Boreham Wood and Newport County on December 07, 2025 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images))
The 26-year-old is out of contract next month and is yet to agree an extension with the Exiles.
The transfer window officially opens on Monday, June 15, but clubs can agree pre-contracts with players whose deals will expire at the end of June.
Sign up for our Rovers newsletter
Bristol Rovers have Steve Evans now in charge as they look to battle push up the League Two table – and you won’t miss a beat with our free newsletter.
All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Gas, delivered straight to your inbox.
It’s completely free and you can sign up HERE
Who is Ben Purrington?
After graduating through the Plymouth Argyle academy, Purrington made 64 first-team appearances for the Pilgrims before joining Rotherham United in 2017.
During his three years at the Millers, he played 22 times in all competitions, while also going on loan at AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic.
After a successful loan spell in the second half of the 2018/19 season, Purrington moved permanently to the Valley.
Bristol Rovers Live on Whatsapp
Join Bristol Rovers Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol Rovers stories sent straight to your phone
Bristol Rovers Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol Rovers news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.
To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.
We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.
To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.
He won his first promotion at the Addicks, scoring in the League One play-off final victory against Sunderland in May 2019. He left the club having made 115 appearances.
Then came a move to Scotland, as the 30-year-old spent two years at Ross County between 2022 and 2024.
Ben Purrington of Exeter City during the Sky Bet League Match between Exeter City and Wrexham at St James Park, Devon on 29th March 2025. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
He made 33 appearances before joining Exeter City on an 18-month deal in January 2024.
Most recently, Purrington joined Cambridge United, winning promotion from League Two and featuring 38 times in all competitions as Neil Harris’ side finished third.
