Darren was given his professional chance with Leyton Orient and moved on to Oxford United before joining Birmingham City for £700,000 in February 1998.

He is a commanding and versatile defender who has succeeded in gaining the regular place in Trevor Francis' central defensive starting line-up and was hailed by his manager as the 'best centre-half at the club' after a superb 1999/2000.

Was an inspirational figure as Francis led the Blues to the Worthington Cup final in 2001. His displays saw the big clubs sniffing around, and at one time he was rumoured to be a target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Was gutted to miss out on the First Division play-off final in May 2002 as the Blues earned promotion to the Premiership - he was suspended.

Then he was in conflict with the club over an extension to his contract. With his deal due to expire in 12 months time, Birmingham were obviously eager for him to sign up - otherwise they'd lose him for nothing.

After something of an impasse, Purse confirmed he wanted to begin talks over a new deal in July 2002.

Purse said at the time: 'I'm still desperate to stay here. That has not changed. But everything has to be right for me and my family and I wasn't over happy with what was offered last time.'

Purse had the club captaincy taken off him by Bruce when he turned down the second offer, worth around £10,000 a week.