Last summer, West headed East, across the Midlands, the former, Aston Villa Women\u2019s Player of the Year, Amy West, swapping the Claret and Blue, for the Red of Nottingham Forest, and, barring an injury set-back later in the latter stages of the season just finishing, she\u2019s not really looked back.<\/p>\n
In racking up twenty-three appearances, and netting three goals, Amy has helped Forest to a fifth place finish in the FA Women\u2019s National League North, the National League Plate (a 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon Ladies), and into this week\u2019s Nottinghamshire FA County Cup final, against Mansfield Town Ladies.<\/p>\n
That instant success, this season, and what the Forest boss, Andy Cook, sold to Amy back in July last year, are testament to her having made the right decision in swapping Birmingham, for Nottingham, arriving with plenty experience, including time spent in the Women\u2019s Super League.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing a tough final season at Villa, my priority became regaining my confidence and getting back on the pitch,\u201d explained Amy of her decision to move to Nottingham.<\/p>\n
\u201cForest was a brilliant fit and I settled in really quickly; Andy discussed his plans, and explained the objectives and aspirations for the club, and it feels like a really exciting place to be playing football at the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also helped knowing a few of the girls that I\u2019d played with previously who gave great reviews!<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst I\u2019ve enjoyed my debut season, I feel I have a lot more to bring to this team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have picked up a few knocks which has meant I\u2019ve been in and out of the squad, but, as a team, I know we have more to give and definitely have the personnel to achieve great things.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re still learning here and we strive to improve each week.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for the WSL experience, those injuries, knocks withstanding, it\u2019s certainly helped Amy through the current campaign as she, and her fellow Reds, look to finish with a flourish.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think playing at that level (WSL) gave me a lot of tactical insight and a lot of exposure to the intensity required to play professionally,\u201d continued Amy.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the crucial differences is the speed of decision making with and without the ball which I found most noticeable.<\/p>\n
\u201cI try to think tactically with my movements on and off the ball and encourage those playing alongside me to do the same to make things difficult for our opponents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Growing into the Reds starting eleven, West\u2019s season was a pretty decent one at that, those appearances, and goals, aiding in Forest\u2019s continued progression.<\/p>\n
In fact, after her return from injury, one such goal, was to be named as the clubs\u2019 goal of the season, the one which she bagged, six minutes from time, in the 1-1 draw away to Loughborough Lightning, just a few weeks ago. Watch the goal below.<\/p>\n
\n🤩 A fantastic strike from @NFFCWomen<\/a>‘s Amy West to secure a point away at Loughborough Lightning last night ⚡️<\/p>\n
🎟 Secure your @NFFCWomen<\/a> season card for 2022\/23 here: https:\/\/t.co\/HpTnJamkcj<\/a><\/p>\n
🌳🔴 #NFFC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/2S6KJ1VDLZ<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) April 14, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n