This month marks three months since Kaila Novak arrived at Durham – and we sat down with the Canadian to reflect on her time in the North East.
Here’s what she had to say…
Novak on her time at Durham so far…
“I love it.
“The girls have been amazing since the start and I’ve sung their praises since I arrived here.
“I love the team, love the coaching staff and the quality of play has just been on the up and up every week, so I’m loving it.”
Novak on the Barclays Women’s Championship…
“The style of play is definitely different here.
“I think I’ve really grown as more of an intelligent player at this club and I love how everybody plays over here.
“I’ve definitely been pushed in aspects that I didn’t even know needed the extra work, and they’ve helped me find my weak spots and strengthen them at the same time.”
Novak on her first start of the season in our second game at Portsmouth…
“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting it.
“When it happened I wanted to jump at the opportunity and make my mark and I’m grateful it happened so early.”
Novak on notching two assists in that game…
“That was nice, but it’s the girls that are finishing the crosses.
“I’m grateful to the team before anything else, but that was definitely a weight taken off my shoulders and a good start to the season.”
Novak on her first goal for the club at Blackburn…
“That was epic.
“There was a little bicker when the goal went in, which is quite like me, but I was very happy.
“It was different type of goal to what I’m used to and that was nice.
“I knew it went in, but I knew I had to fight for it!
“It went our way so I’m happy about that.”
Novak on the team environment…
“It’s always smiles and we’ve been without each other now through wins and losses, ups and downs, and we’re creating such a cohesive and family-orientated environment.
“I’ve got nothing but positive things to say about all the girls and I’m loving it.
“The accents are still getting me though! We’ve got girls from just about whatever so the language barrier is something I’m getting used to!
“Even off the field, just hanging out with the girls and doing little team bonding things has been amazing and that translates to on field chemistry.”
Novak on settling into the area…
“I really like it.
“It’s quaint and quiet but at the same time if I want to try a new coffee shop, there’s always something to do.
“I’m finding where’s nice and where I need to stay away from in terms of traffic!”
Novak on her growing bond with the Blue Army…
“They are the best fanbase I’ve been able to play in front of.
“They’re the best people and I love chatting to them after the games, that’s what I look forward to after a game.
“Their support, their loudness and how far they travel for some of our games is unbelievable so I can’t thank them enough.
“Keep coming, that’s all I’ve got to say!”