Carly Davies: Inspiring Football Coach and Head of Nottingham Forest Women
Carly Davies is one of the most respected names in English women’s football, both as a former player and as a progressive coach. With a career that spans playing at the highest levels, coaching across youth and senior football, and now leading Nottingham Forest Women as head coach, she has consistently shown her passion for the game. Her journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a determination to develop talent at every stage of the football pyramid.
In this article, we will explore her early playing days, her transition into coaching, her experience across multiple clubs and national teams, and her present role as the driving force behind Nottingham Forest Women.
Early Life and Playing Career
Beginnings at Aston Villa
Born in 1986, Carly Davies began her footballing journey at Aston Villa, a club where she spent her formative years as both a youth and senior player. Playing as a centre-forward, she became known for her sharp eye for goal, physical presence, and commitment on the pitch. She made her senior debut for Aston Villa in the early 2000s and was a key figure for the side during her playing years.
Other Playing Experiences
After her spell at Aston Villa, Davies also represented Coventry United and Solihull Moors. These clubs gave her further experience within the women’s game and allowed her to develop the leadership qualities that would later shape her coaching career. Unfortunately, like many athletes, she had to retire earlier than expected due to persistent injuries. However, her passion for football never faded, and coaching became her natural next step.
Coaching Qualifications and Philosophy
UEFA A Licence and Further Education
Carly Davies holds the prestigious UEFA A Licence, one of the highest coaching qualifications in football. This demonstrates not only her knowledge of the game but also her ability to work at the professional level. Alongside this, she has completed the LMA Diploma in Football Management, giving her the skills to combine coaching expertise with leadership and organisational knowledge.
Additional Certifications
Her development as a coach has been continuous. She holds Youth Modules, Talent ID qualifications, and a Level 3 Certificate in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sports. She is also a Licensed Tutor, underlining her commitment to education in football. These achievements highlight her philosophy of lifelong learning, something she instils in her players and colleagues.
Coaching Style
Davies is known as a coach who values both performance and development. Her approach combines tactical understanding with an emphasis on improving individuals as players and as people. She believes in structured learning, team cohesion, and preparing her squads to compete at the highest level while fostering a positive environment.
Professional Coaching Career
Early Roles at Aston Villa
Carly Davies returned to Aston Villa as a coach, taking up positions within their women’s and youth setups. Between 2006 and 2010, she worked as a development coach, guiding U12 and U14 girls at the Centre of Excellence. Later, between 2012 and 2015, she became head coach of the Aston Villa U17 Girls’ Centre of Excellence.
Her progression continued as she became Women’s Development Manager and later assistant coach with Aston Villa Women between 2017 and 2023. During this time, she played an integral role in supporting the team’s growth and development within the Women’s Super League structure.
The Football Association and England Youth Teams
Her talents did not go unnoticed by the Football Association. From 2011 to 2016, Davies worked as a Football Development Coach with the FA Skills programme, later becoming a team leader. In 2016, she was appointed Regional Talent Club U16 Head Coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers, before returning to FA roles.
Between 2018 and 2019, she was part of the England U19 women’s coaching staff, contributing to the national youth programme at St George’s Park. In 2022, she was appointed as England U16 women’s coach, a position she held until 2023. These experiences gave her exposure to international youth football and broadened her tactical and developmental knowledge.
West Bromwich Albion Women
In 2022, Davies took on the role of assistant manager at West Bromwich Albion Women. Working part-time with the club, she played a key role in supporting the first team and preparing them for competition. Her time at West Brom further expanded her reputation within the women’s football coaching community.
Nottingham Forest Women
In August 2023, Carly Davies was appointed Head Coach of Nottingham Forest Women. This role marked a significant step in her career, placing her in charge of a team with strong ambitions in the women’s game. Under her leadership, Forest Women have developed both on and off the pitch.
In the 2024–25 season, her team achieved remarkable success, winning both the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division and the FA WNL Cup. Her ability to guide the squad through challenging fixtures, while maintaining high standards of professionalism, was a testament to her skills.
In November 2024, she signed a new long-term contract with the club, committing her future until at least June 2027. This decision reflected the confidence the club has in her leadership and the long-term project being built at Forest.
Other Roles and Contributions
Freelance Analyst
Alongside her coaching work, Davies has also worked as an Opposition Profiling Analyst since 2022. This analytical role demonstrates her eye for detail, tactical awareness, and ability to break down opponents’ strategies.
Commitment to Development
Carly Davies has always emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent. Her long involvement in grassroots, academy, and elite football shows her dedication to creating pathways for young players to reach the highest level.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Carly Davies is married to Remi Allen, a fellow football professional and former Southampton head coach. The pair were married in June 2024 in Dénia, Spain. While Carly Davies keeps much of her personal life private, it is clear that football remains at the heart of her family. As of now, there is no public information to suggest that she has children.
Legacy and Impact
Carly Davies’ career represents a modern success story within women’s football. She has experienced the game as a player, worked tirelessly as a coach across all age groups, and risen to lead a respected club at senior level. Her qualifications, commitment to coach education, and passion for talent development make her a role model for aspiring female coaches in the United Kingdom.
Her leadership at Nottingham Forest Women also coincides with the wider growth of the women’s game. As more clubs transition towards professionalism, coaches like Davies are central to ensuring that players receive the highest levels of support and guidance.
Conclusion
Carly Davies is far more than a head coach. She is a football educator, a tactician, and a leader whose career has consistently embodied growth and learning. From her early days at Aston Villa through her national coaching experience with the FA, to her current role with Nottingham Forest Women, she has demonstrated both resilience and ambition.
As women’s football continues to evolve in the United Kingdom, Carly Davies stands out as a key figure shaping its future. Her achievements to date, and her commitment to developing both players and the sport itself, underline her reputation as one of the most influential coaches in the women’s game today.
