Purvin signs two-year scholarship deal with Mansfield Town

A STRATFORD Town teenager has joined Mansfield Town on a two-year scholarship.

Dan Purvin has signed up with the EFL League Two club after spending five years at Knights Lane.

Having started at Town aged just 11, the left-back has featured for the club’s academy and youth teams this season, as well as being involved in first-team training sessions and being named on the bench for Town’s game at Dorchester earlier this month.

“It’s fantastic news for Dan,” said Stratford Town’s youth team coach, Nick Ballinger.

“He’s been with us since the age of 11, but he’s really found his feet in the last two years. He’s a big, strong athletic boy and has lots of place.

“I can’t say it’s all about us at the club. We’ve obviously worked very hard with him, but it’s all down to Dan — he’s worked extremely hard to make it happen.

“He’s got the right attitude and he’s now got a huge opportunity to progress.”

Following Dylan Parker’s recent dream move to Walsall, the Purvin news is further proof of the blossoming talent in the Stratford Town ranks.

Another Town player is currently on trial at Stoke City and Ballinger is confident the production line will continue.

He added: “At the moment, the club has the pathways in place.

“With Dylan going to Walsall too, it shows we’re doing something right.

“There are some really good talents at the club at the moment.”