Career
Purcell played for Kidsgrove Liverpool Road, before joining Football League Second Division side Portuguese Vale as an amateur in November 1933. He made his debut in a 2–0 defeat at Old Trafford to Manchester United on 14 April 1934, and also played at The Old Recreation Ground in a 4–0 home over Plymouth Argyle seven days later. After recovering from a serious nose injury in 1934, he played two games in the 1934-1935 season, before being released in the summer.