He later became player-manager at non-League side Congleton Town and then manager at Dutch club Dordrecht.

The Ibrox Park club again finished third in 1916–17, before winning the league title in 1917–18, with Pursell making 24 appearances.

[1] When Vale were elected to the Football League two months later, the club had to fork out an extra £500 to Rangers for the services of Pursell and Willie Aitken.

Pursell received his sole Scotland cap on 28 February 1914, in a British Home Championship match against Wales which ended in a 0–0 draw.

[4] After leaving Wigan Borough, Pursell became player-manager of Congleton Town and also managed Dutch club Dordrecht.