As back-ups go, Forest Women’s number two, Georgina Eden-Hasler, playing second-fiddle to Aja Aguirre, arrived at the club in the summer of 2020, and brought with her a wealth of experience.

Another trainee psychologist, Georgina is presently studying for an honours degree at Loughborough University, however, it’s her on-field abilities that had seen her build up a reputation as a reliable, go-to shot-stopper.

“When I started out (having played a few years as a junior with Wokingham & Emmbrook, mixed boys and girls teams until aged 12), at AFC Wimbledon, I was there for a couple of years, it was lonely trek, but I soon found I was getting quite good at it (goalkeeping),” began Georgina.

“It was a tear to leave the club (AFC Wimbledon) as everyone at the club were really lovely and I really enjoyed my time there, but Reading were a step above.

“Whilst I was with their U16s I was also training with the development squad, but in the Academy my priorities began shifting towards my academic studies; I also received England Youth call-ups (from U15s to U18s), and reached a cup final, where we lost to Manchester City – we did really well to get there and it was a bitter pill to swallow when we lost.”

That experience, and the lack of support afforded Aguirre, soon caught the attention of Forest boss, Andy Cook, he wasting little time in persuading Georgina to swap the Royals of Reading, for the Garibaldi of Nottingham.

There’s just been one issue since she arrived in the East Midlands last summer (global health crisis withstanding), Georgina has been injured, and with a back injury at that.

However, the support she’s received, including from that of the famed ‘keepers union which the club possesses, has given Georgina continued strength to progress.

“When I spoke to Andy (Cook) he immediately sold the club to me,” explained Georgina.

“Although I am loving it here, I’m currently injured (Georgina has been suffering two disc bulges in her back, and battled from contracting covid last year).

“I’m on the up now though and looking forward to starting over again, but, for now, I can continue to focus on the rehabilitation process without any distractions.”

The main thing for Georgina, once her rehab has been completed, and the global health crisis subsides, and that ‘normal service’ can be resumed, is that of making her debut for the Garibaldi.

“I’m aiming to get my fitness back up, and to be training properly again,” states Georgina.

“That’s something I’ve not done (train) since March last year.

“I’m so excited about it and can’t wait to get back out there, although I’m also rather nervous about it as well, because nobody here has seen me play before.

“But I’ll focus, for now, on myself, before I look at what’s happening elsewhere, then I will see what’s happening.”

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @Josh Dixon Eden-Hasler is still awaiting her Forest debut.