He joined West Ham United at the age of 10 and progressed through the much-vaunted academy ranks, playing in the same squad as future England internationals like Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, before signing his first professional contract under manager Harry Redknapp.
In May 2003, Purches scored one of the most memorable team goals seen at the Millennium Stadium as the Cherries triumphed 5-2 against Lincoln City in the Division Three play-off final, ensuring an immediate return to the third tier of English football following relegation in 2002.
After 132 appearances in all competitions, Purches left Orient in June 2010 following the conclusion of his contract and returned to Bournemouth, who had just been promoted to League One, being lured back by his former teammate Eddie Howe, who had since become the manager.
[2] Howe left halfway through Purches' first season back at Bournemouth to become manager of Burnley, being replaced by Lee Bradbury, as the team reached the League One play-off semi finals.
[6] Purches' final appearance as a player was in a pre-season friendly on 21 July 2013, coming on as a late second-half substitute against a Real Madrid team containing Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić and Mesut Özil in what was Carlo Ancelotti's first game in charge.
[10] Purches took the job on full-time following his retirement from playing[10] and helped nurture the talents of some of the club's rising stars including Sam Surridge, Gavin Kilkenny, Harry Cornick, Baily Cargill and Jack Simpson who all appeared for the first team, as Bournemouth would go on to experience the most successful period in their history.
[14] Despite Tindall departing in February 2021, Purches remained in his role when Jonathan Woodgate took over managerial responsibilities, adding Joe Jordan and Gary O'Neil as first team coaches.