West Ham United is delighted to announce that defender Jessie Stapleton has penned a contract extension with the Club.
The 20-year-old has signed a new two-year deal and will now spend next season on loan at Barclays Women’s Super League 2 side Nottingham Forest, following their promotion from the Northern Premier Division.
The Republic of Ireland international, who was crowned Young Women's International Player of the Year in June, spent last term in the north-east with Sunderland.
Ballyfermot-born Stapleton, who has featured twice for the Hammers following her move from Shelbourne in 2023, made 23 appearances across all competitions for the Lasses, scoring two goals.
Prior to that, the youngster enjoyed a successful loan spell at Reading during the second half of the 2023/24 season, where she made eleven appearances across all competitions.
Stapleton is pleased to have extended her stay in east London and is looking forward to gaining more invaluable first-team experience with Forest next season.
“It’s an honour to sign a new contract at West Ham United,” said Stapleton. “I’ve been here for two years now, and the Club has been superb for me in that time, both on and off the pitch.
"I’ve had two beneficial loan spells over the last two seasons, and it’s clear that the Club have a development plan in place for me.
"I’m really excited to be joining Nottingham Forest on loan this season. It’s another great opportunity to get some consistent game time, help the team achieve their goals and continue my own personal development.
"I’ve grown so much as a person since I arrived in east London, and that’s down to the experiences I’ve had and the support that I’ve received from the Club. I see my long-term future here, so it was a no-brainer to sign a new deal.”
Manager Rehanne Skinner expressed her happiness in seeing Stapleton extend her stay at the Club, and is looking forward to seeing her continue to flourish both domestically and on the international stage.
“I’m delighted that Jessie has extended her contract with us,” Skinner said.
“Jessie is a ball-playing defender with a fantastic attitude. Having already gained some invaluable experience on loan at Reading and Sunderland, as well as playing on the international stage for the Republic of Ireland, we have no doubt about her potential.
“She continues to show a desire to improve and get first-team minutes out on loan, and as a manager, that’s a quality I really admire.
“Jessie is an exciting prospect for the future, and I’m looking forward to seeing her continue her development in Nottingham this season.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Jessie on her new contract and wish her the best for the upcoming season with Nottingham Forest.
