Nottingham Forest Women have announced the appointment of Tom Mallinson as the Reds’ new Head Coach.
Tom Mallinson has been unveiled as the Nottingham Forest Women Head Coach three weeks after Carly Davies’ departure was announced.
Mallinson, born in Nottinghamshire, has been at Forest for almost 20 years in a number of roles before his most recent appointment.
With extensive experience in the club’s academy set-up, Mallinson initially joined the Reds as an Academy Coach, before a stint as B Team assistant coach, and his most recent position as the Head Coach of the men’s under-18s side.
The under-18s enjoyed a strong season under Mallinson, finishing fifth in the U18 Premier League North, behind fourth-placed Everton only on goal difference.
Speaking to club media, Mallinson could not hide his excitement following his appointment, as he looked forward to the opportunity to lead the Women’s Team into the 2026/27 campaign.
“I can’t wait to get started,” he revealed. “I have a big connection to this football club having been here nearly 20 years, and although I have thoroughly enjoyed my work at the Academy, this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
The Reds enjoyed a strong first season in WSL2, solidifying their place in the division with a seventh-placed finish, following promotion last season.
In fact, the side finished closer to title-winners Birmingham City than the relegation zone, which led to mixed reactions when Davies’ departure was announced last month.
Mallinson reflected on the squad’s debut season in the second tier, and spoke about the desire to continually improve.
“The team has continued to grow year on year, and the ambition to keep improving and establish ourselves as a top team in women’s football is something I wanted to be part of,” he said.
"I’m excited to get to work with the players and staff to build on the great foundations that have got us to this point. I’m grateful to have been trusted to take the team forward and eager to get to work.”
Amber Wildgust, Head of Women’s and Girls Football at the club, also spoke to the club following Mallinson’s appointment, offering praise for the new Head Coach.
“We are delighted to appoint Tom as Head Coach,” she shared. “He brings a deep understanding and real passion for Nottingham Forest and the city.
“Tom is a highly regarded coach who brings a clear playing style, alongside a strong track record of developing players and building winning teams.
“His fierce competitiveness and drive to win, while bringing people with him on the journey, make him the ideal person to lead this group of players and staff into the next stage of our growth as we push towards the WSL.”
