Squad No: 2
Position: Defender / Midfielder (R/L)
Place and Date of Birth: Ilford, January 14 1980
Height and Weight: 5.10 / 12.02
Full Orient Debut: Away v Southend United (W2-1, August 11 2007)

Versatile defender Stephen Purches became Orient's first summer arrival ahead of the 2007/08 season when he put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal, with an option for a further year.

Ilford born, Purches watched his first football at Brisbane Road as a youngster and he described his transfer from Bournemouth to E10 as a move home.

Most comfortable at right back, former West Ham junior Purches can also operate further forward or on the left hand side, although it is as a right-sided full back that he has joined the club.

After coming through the ranks at Upton Park, Purches was allowed to leave for Bournemouth in June 2000, where he quickly established himself in the first team.

He played a major role in Bournemouth's League Two promotion campaign in 2002/03, scoring in their play-off final victory over Lincoln City.

Stephen continued to impress at Bournemouth established themselves back in League One and he was again a regular in the Cherries' team last season.

He made a total of 273 appearances in Bournemouth colours, scoring 12 goals and O's fans will be hoping their new signing will make a similar impact at Brisbane Road.