Carla Ward, the current head coach of Aston Villa Women’s team, will be stepping down from her position at the conclusion of the Women’s Super League season, marking the end of her three-year tenure with the club.
Ward, 40, took over as manager of Aston Villa Women after her stint at Birmingham City and played a pivotal role in establishing the club as a competitive force in the WSL.
During her first season in charge, Ward guided the team to a ninth-place finish in the league. The following season saw a remarkable improvement, with Aston Villa Women achieving their highest-ever league position of fifth. Additionally, the club reached the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
Ward’s tenure also saw the arrival of notable players such as Lionesses Rachel Daly, Lucy Staniforth, and Jordan Nobbs, further strengthening the squad.
However, the current 2023/24 season has presented challenges for Aston Villa Women, including injuries to key players and a dip in form. Despite a slow start to the campaign, Ward managed to steer the team to several crucial victories, lifting them off the bottom of the table.
While Aston Villa Women managed to improve their position in the league standings in the latter part of the season, Ward ultimately decided to prioritize her family and step down from her role as head coach.
In a statement, Ward expressed gratitude for her time at Aston Villa and acknowledged the difficulty of her decision. The club’s President of Football Operations, Monchi, also thanked Ward for her contributions and wished her well for the future.
Aston Villa Women will now begin the search for a new head coach, with further updates expected to be announced in due course.
Leave a Reply