Nottingham Forest have made a significant statement of intent in the last week, completing four signings as they strengthen their push for promotion from the Barclays Women’s Super League 2.
Currently sitting six points off second place and four points outside third place, which offers an end-of-season play-off position against the WSL second-from-bottom side.
Forest have moved decisively to bolster their squad at a crucial stage of the season, adding proven quality, experience and depth across the pitch.
The Reds’ recruitment drive began with the permanent signing of forward Libby Smith, who joins the club until the end of the 2025/26 season. Smith brings with her a winning pedigree, having lifted the Women’s Championship title with Leicester City in 2020/21 before gaining extensive WSL experience during a four-year spell with Birmingham City.
Most recently with Sporting Club Jacksonville, the England youth international now returns to English football, aiming to make an immediate impact.
Forest followed that up with the capture of Nigerian international Joy Omewa from Danish giants Fortuna Hjørring. The 23-year-old forward arrives on a permanent deal after an outstanding spell in Denmark, where she scored over 50 goals, won two Danish Women’s Cups and helped Fortuna to a league title in 2024/25.
Omewa was also named Kvindeligaen Player of the Season during their historic league and cup double, underlining the calibre of player Forest have secured.
Defensive depth was addressed with the loan signing of highly-rated goalkeeper Rebekah Dowsett from West Ham United. Just 18 years old, Dowsett has already signed her first professional contract and represented England at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, where the Young Lionesses finished as runners-up. She arrives in Nottingham looking to gain valuable first-team experience while adding competition between the posts.
Forest then completed their quartet of additions with the loan signing of Leanne Kiernan from Liverpool. Possibly the biggest name of the lot.
The Republic of Ireland international brings vast experience at both Championship and WSL level, having won promotion with Liverpool in 2021/22 and previously collected domestic honours with Shelbourne. With over 35 international caps and a proven scoring record, Kiernan adds further quality and versatility to Forest’s attacking options.
Head Coach, Carly Davies, said: “We are delighted to have Leanne join the Club for the remainder of the season from Liverpool. She brings a wealth of experience in this league, having won the division with Liverpool in 2021/22.
“She will bring a new dynamic to our attacking threat, and we are excited to see her play in the Garibaldi Red.”
With four additions across attack and goalkeeping, Forest have sent a clear message to the rest of the division. As the race for promotion intensifies, these signings underline the club’s ambition to put itself firmly in contention for a place in the Barclays WSL.
Davies’ challenge now is to incorporate these new faces into the squad and make sure that they all settle in quickly. While they have positioned themselves into a position of strength, there is no margin for error in this crucial stage of the season.
Something that isn’t lost on Holly from the Forest Women Fancast, ‘We have quietly gone under the radar, building slowly and setting the foundations to be a real force. Now – with marquee signings like Leanne Kiernan – we are making a huge statement in their quest for that converted third-place spot. I hope anybody isn’t stupid enough to write us off.”
When asked how Davies can incorporate all of these new faces within the squad, Holly predicts that only Kiernan goes straight into the side this weekend’s trip to Birmingham City. For me, it’s the strength of their bench which will be the most daunting to their opposition.
