A recent addition to the Nottingham Forest Women’s squad, Shania Hayles arrives at the City Ground with an exciting career already under her belt. But who is Forest’s new No. 7, and can she help the Reds push for promotion to the Women’s Super League?
Following their promotion to the WSL 2 after the 2024/25 season, Nottingham Forest Women finished seventh in the 2025/26 campaign, with head coach Carly Davies departing at the end of the season.
The Reds have undergone plenty of change during this summer’s transfer window. Eight players reached the end of their contracts, while Amy Rogers departed for Brøndby IF. With new head coach Tom Mallinson now at the helm, Forest will be hoping to challenge at the top end of the league — and Hayles could play an important role in that push.
The forward has joined Forest from Newcastle United, bringing with her plenty of experience across both the WSL and WSL 2, as well as international experience with Jamaica.
Early Career
Born in Burton-upon-Trent, Hayles, 26, grew up in the West Midlands and began her career at Aston Villa before joining Birmingham City in 2017 at the age of 18.
During her time at Birmingham, Hayles earned her first professional contract before returning to Aston Villa in 2019.
She spent three seasons with Villa, making 44 appearances and scoring 10 goals. Her goals during the 2019/20 season proved particularly important, helping Villa secure promotion from the then FA Women’s Championship to the Women’s Super League.
Bristol City and Newcastle United
After three years with Aston Villa, Hayles moved to Bristol City, where she made 37 appearances and found the back of the net 11 times.
Her next move came in the 2024/25 season, when she joined Newcastle United.
Hayles made an immediate impact during her first season on Tyneside, finishing second in the league’s goalscoring charts with 15 goals. Only London City Lionesses’ Isobel Goodwin scored more, finishing the campaign with 16.
International Career
Hayles also represents Jamaica at international level. She has made 10 appearances for the Reggae Girlz, scoring three goals.
Her international experience adds another dimension to a player who has already gained valuable experience across England’s top two tiers.
What Can Hayles Bring to Forest?
Following the end of her Newcastle United contract, Hayles has now made the move to Nottingham Forest, taking on the club’s No. 7 shirt.
With 17 goals to her name in the last 2 seasons, Forest will be hoping she can carry that goalscoring form into her new surroundings.
Under Tom Mallinson, the Reds will have their sights firmly set on competing at the top of WSL 2 and securing promotion to the Women’s Super League.
Hayles has already played an important role in one promotion campaign during her career. Could she now be the player to help Nottingham Forest achieve the same feat?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Forest have added a forward with plenty of experience, a proven eye for goal scoring.
