Jake Poole bolsters his defensive options with a late signing.
Peterborough United Women are delighted to announce the signing of defender Hayley James from Nottingham Forest Women, for the 2024/25 FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands campaign.
The 29-year-old signed for the Reds in 2020 and has clocked up over 60 appearances for the club, winning the FAWNL Plate and Cup as well as playing a key role in their title-winning side of 2022/23.
James is excited to get started this weekend: “I was at Leicester [City] for five years when I came out of university in the Championship and I then moved over to Nottingham Forest after the covid years and I had a great time there, but I’m ready for a new start elsewhere and Peterborough was top of the list so I’m excited to be here."
When asked what about the club attracted her, she said: “When I spoke to Jake [Poole] and Ando [Michael Anderson] and a couple of the players here like Niamh [Reynolds] and Katie [Middleton] that used to be at Forest, they spoke about the values that the club has, in terms of how the players act, and then speaking to Sam a little bit further in the background with the ambition of the club, I knew it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of.”
Posh Women’s undefeated streak also caught the eye of James: “Ambition wise, it’s where you want to be, I think the leagues are so tough nowadays with better players filtering down and it’s harder to get up. You’ve got to get off to a good start; you can’t afford to drop points and you’ve got to keep your goal difference up because it comes down to that sometimes.”
“It’s been a great start and the girls have obviously been amazing so far- I just want to come in and add to that, help in the best way I can and give some players the chance of getting up to Tier 3 as I think we’d compete in that league next year.”
“My strengths are one-v-one defending; obviously that’s the most important one and what everyone wants to hear, but people who have seen me play know I love to attack, I love to get forward, I love a good assist and, for the fans, I love quite a big tackle and I’m not afraid to put myself around a little so hopefully there’s more of that to come this season.”
Manager Jake Poole is thrilled to welcome James to his squad: “Hayley is a player who has won and been one of the best full-backs in Tier 3 for some time now, with Championship experience under her belt.
“Signing a player of Hayley’s quality is a huge statement of our intent as a football club and I’m delighted to welcome her to Posh.”
General Manager Sam Winch said: “I am thrilled to confirm the signing of Hayley. She brings a wealth of experience at the higher levels and is someone both Jake and I have known for a long time.
“Hayley's resilience, tenacity and determination as well as her leadership skills will add another dimension to the squad and I look forward to introducing her in person to our supporters.
“This significant addition is a statement of our intent to seriously challenge at the top end of the table this season and we hope to further add to the squad in the future when needed. We are delighted to have Hayley as a part of the Peterborough United Women family and look forward to seeing her shine in the Peterborough Blue- welcome, Hayley!”
James will wear the number 21 shirt for the FA Women’s National League campaign and will be in contention for this weekend’s FA Cup fixture against Burton Albion at Deeping Rangers FC (2pm).