Purfield's start to life in the North East was hampered after she picked up an injury in pre-season, which meant she didn't make her full debut until 14th December, with her first league start coming in a 2-1 away defeat against Charlton Athletic Women the following month.

However, the appointment of manager Tanya Oxtoby - who Purfield had played under at Bristol City Women - proved to be a turning point for the defender, who has started seven of the six games under the Australian.

"It's always nice to know that a manager has faith and confidence in you," Purfield told newcastleunited.com about her recent run in the team under Oxtoby.

"I'd worked with Tanya before she came here, and I knew she was a fantastic manager, so I was really happy when she came to the club.

"Since coming into the team, I have loved every minute that I've been able to play for this club, and now I just want to help this team get promoted."

Having to watch from the sidelines and the stands for a large portion of the season was tough for United's number five, although it allowed her to prepare like never before - in many ways that people, perhaps even close to her, may not have noticed.

"This year has really been what I came to the club for," she added. "It was a tough start with my injury, but I certainly made the most of my time recovering.

"I obviously wasn't in the team at the start of the season, but I made a conscious effort to go and get to know everyone in the squad and build up relationships with all of my teammates.

"So when I did manage to get back out on the pitch, it felt like I already knew everyone. I'd study training sessions and our games to work out how everyone played and understand them on and off the pitch."

Rarely seen without a smile, Purfield has quickly become a fan favourite and someone who can be counted on to keep spirits high and ensure a positive feeling throughout the squad.

"I've loved every minute of getting to wear this amazing shirt," the 29-year-old said as she opened up about her newfound love and appreciation for football.

"When you're out injured, sometimes you get to take a step back and realise how hungry you are to be back out on the pitch and how much you love doing what you do, and I think that's what I've tried to do here: bring good energy into every day of training and matchday, make the most out of every session and day we have, because I just want to be enjoying my football and be able to play with a smile on my face."

Games are set to come thick and fast for Newcastle this month, with fixtures away to Sheffield United Women and Sunderland Women and home clashes with promotion rivals Birmingham City Women and Crystal Palace Women, but the Beverley-born defender is itching to get going again.

Back-to-back wins against Southampton Women and Portsmouth Women have provided United with a platform to build upon and kept the top three in their sights.

"We know that we've put ourselves in a good position now, which is important, and when the games come back around it's about picking up that momentum we had before the break," Purfield added.

"We're not going to shy away from it, because when you look at the table, everyone can see that it's very tight.

"With these next few games coming up, we all know that we've got a job to do, and we know it's going to be tough, three games in eight days, but it's something that I'm excited about and I can't wait to be back playing with this fantastic squad."