Hayles signs for Nottingham Forest

Reggae Girlz striker Shania Hayles has signed a one-year deal with Women’s Super League 2 (WSL 2) outfit Nottingham Forest following her departure from Newcastle United at the end of last season.

Forest announced Hayles’ arrival earlier this week, with the striker expected to bolster the club’s push for promotion to the top flight.

Hayles joined Forest after the expiration of her two-year contract with Newcastle, where she finished as the club’s leading goalscorer in her debut season, going on to score 18 goals in 44 appearances.

Hayles, who was born less than 50 kilometres from the City Ground, said signing for Forest feels like a homecoming.

“I’m buzzing. It’s nice to be back home and I can’t wait to get going,” Hayles said in her first interview with her new club.

“I’m excited to meet the fans and to play in front of them at The City Ground. This is a massive club with a lot of history and there is a lot of ambition to get promotion,” she continued.

“I want to get started, to enjoy my football, score goals, and I believe this is the environment for me to do that.”

PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Nottingham Forest head coach Tom Mallinson welcomed Hayles’ arrival and believes she will be an ideal fit for the squad.

“Shania has a proven track record of not just scoring in this division, but also being part of successful team environments,” Mallinson said.

“She understands the demands of the league, works hard for the team, and is driven by a desire to get on the scoresheet as much as possible,” he continued.

“We are all excited to welcome her into the group and to see her integrate into the squad.”

Hayles will join fellow Reggae Girl Melissa Johnson at Forest.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com