FOREST FIRE? Is Double Promotion Possible?

Having finished last season as double winners, Forest will hope momentum helps them fell some of WSL2’s mighty oaks. Our writer Clare McEwen makes a case for the ambitious newcomers.

Head Coach: Carly Davies guided Forest to a league and cup double last season and now, in her third season with the club, gets to test her managerial skills in WSL2. Her 15-year playing career at the top of the game will ensure she knows what is expected. And she’ll be planning to cause a few upsets.

New signings: Rachel Rowe, Kirsty Smith, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Sophia Poor (loan), Amy Rodgers, Chloe Mustaki, Georgia Brougham, Aimee Claypole, Jessie Stapleton (loan), Deanne Rose, Vivienne Lia (loan)

Nottingham Forest may be the new kids on the WSL2 block but they plan to stick around. They’ve made a tonne of strong summer signings including internationals and a chunk of last season’s triumphant London City Lionesses. Knowing they need more strength in depth, they’ve signed players from all across the pitch.

International experience comes from across the globe with Chloe Mustaki and Jessie Stapleton from the Republic of Ireland, Kirsty Smith from Scotland, Rachel Rowe from Wales, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah from Ghana, and Deanne Rose from Canada. Former Chelsea player Aimee Claypole also joins them, as does the queen of the stepovers Vivienne Lia, on loan from Arsenal.

Outlook: Double winners in the FAWNL last season, they will hope to use that momentum to make an impact on WSL2.  As an ambitious side, don’t be surprised if they cause more upsets than expected from a newly promoted team. They’ve shown their intention during the transfer window and will want to match that ambition with a top half of the table finish. Having watched them in the FAWNL Cup Final last season, plus seeing their signings, I think that’s well within reach. An opening loss to well-backed Newcastle shouldn’t unduly worry fans.

Will finish: 6th