Nottingham Forest Women have announced the departure of head coach Carly Davies after almost three years in charge. The club confirmed the decision earlier this week, ending a tenure that saw Davies lead the team to promotion and a cup double, but also a mid-table finish in the WSL 2 this season. Davies was under contract until the summer of 2027, having signed an extension in November 2024.
Davies took over Nottingham Forest Women in 2022 and quickly made an impact. In the 2023-24 season, she guided the squad to promotion from the Women's National League North and a victory in the Women's National League Cup, a double that raised expectations for the club's future. The team's success was rewarded with a contract extension that tied her to the club until 2027.
However, the 2024-25 campaign proved more challenging. Forest competed in the WSL 2, the second tier of English women's football, and finished seventh out of twelve teams. The club won nine of its 22 league matches, including a three-match winning streak in April before the final day. That final game was a 3-0 home defeat to Southampton on 2 May, a result that sealed a mid-table position.
In a club statement, Nottingham Forest explained the reasoning behind the decision. "The current campaign in the second tier has seen the team finish mid-table in a competitive league," the statement said. "After careful consideration, as the team continues to push towards the WSL, the club has made the decision to begin a fresh cycle under new management." The statement also thanked Davies for her "dedication, commitment and professionalism," recognizing her "significant contribution to the club's recent upwards trajectory and success."
Davies brought a wealth of experience to Forest. She had previously worked as a coach with the England Under-19 women's team and served as an assistant manager at West Bromwich Albion. Her background in both national and club football made her a respected figure in the women's game.
The decision to part ways with Davies, despite her contract length, signals the club's ambition to accelerate its push for the Women's Super League. Nottingham Forest Women have invested heavily in recent years, and the board believes that a fresh approach is needed to close the gap on the top teams in the division. The "fresh cycle" mentioned in the statement suggests a long-term rebuild.
Forest's performance this season showed flashes of promise but inconsistency. The team managed nine wins, but also suffered heavy defeats, including the final-day loss to Southampton. The gap to the promotion spots remains significant, and the club's hierarchy has decided that a change in leadership is necessary to bridge that gap.
The search for a new head coach will now begin. Potential candidates will likely need experience in developing players and navigating promotion challenges. The club's infrastructure and support for the women's team have been praised, making the position attractive.
Davies leaves with a legacy of progress. Her record of promotion and a cup double will not be forgotten, but the club's eyes are firmly on the future. The fresh cycle aims to build on the foundation she laid.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.