SWINDON Town have delved back into the transfer market, making a fourth signing in the space of a week by bringing in experienced defender Ben Purkiss on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old, who has more than 350 appearances to his name during his professional career, will officially join the club on July 1, subject to EFL and FA approval.

Purkiss was previously club captain at Port Vale, who were relegated from League One alongside Town last season, and will join Swindon after his contract at Vale Park runs out at the end of this week.

The right-back had been offered new terms by the Valiants but he has instead opted to head to the County Ground to join David Flitcroft’s new-look Town squad.

Purkiss’ arrival in Wiltshire follows the acquisition of striker Paul Mullin from Morecambe for an undisclosed fee yesterday.

Midfielder James Dunne joined on a free transfer from Cambridge United on Monday, with centre-back Chris Robertson having done likewise from AFC Wimbledon last Thursday.

Speaking to Town’s official website, Purkiss said: “I’m delighted to have signed.

“When the assistant manager (Ben Futcher) first reached out to me and asked what I was doing, I was really keen to explore the opportunity and after coming down to speak to the gaffer and Futch, there was only one place I wanted to sign.

“First and foremost, the gaffer and his assistant have got a track record of success in this league and I’ve played against their teams in the league above.

“I know what they are about and know they are driven. They are winners, they know how to win and they have a good track record of winning.

“That determination and drive will most certainly be there from the gaffer and his assistant and we need to get that from the players.

“That’s why I’m here. I’m here to have a successful season with one target in mind.

“The target this season will be to get promoted. There will be a lot of teams in the league who will want to get promoted but there’s a difference between saying you want to get promoted and putting that into action.

“The club are showing that ambition at the moment, there has been an investment in the playing squad, there has been an investment in the manager and there’s the commitment from the gaffer and his assistant who are moving down to establish a side in their image.

“We’ll be grafting and working with that in mind.”

Purkiss came through the youth system at Sheffield United but did not make a first-team appearance for the Blades before being released in 2003.

He was picked up by non-league side Gainsborough Trinity and spent four years at the club before moving on to York City.

Purkiss’ first taste of Football League action came in the 2010-11 season when he left York to sign on a free transfer for Town’s near neighbours Oxford United, who won promotion after beating the Minstermen in the 2010 Conference play-off final.

He played just 26 times for United that season before dropping back down the Conference with Darlington, although he soon back in League Two come January 2012 after signing for Hereford.

That stint lasted just six months but he then found a more permanent home at League One side Walsall that summer, spending three seasons with the Saddlers and making 85 appearances.

In 2015 he made the move to Vale Park and made 81 appearances for the club during the last two seasons.