Carla Ward leaving Aston Villa at end of season

The 40-year-old took charge in 2021 following spells as manager of Sheffield United and cross-city rivals Birmingham. Ward led Villa to ninth in 2021-22 and then a best-ever WSL finish of fifth last term, with the club currently seventh with two games to go of what is going to be her final campaign in charge. “To step down from my post here at Aston Villa has been the hardest decision of my managerial career, but I know it is the right one for my family and I,” she said. “I am immensely grateful to (president of football operations) Monchi and (director of football operations) Damian Vidagany who tried so hard to encourage me to stay in the role, but I know it is the right time to step down after our last game of the season.”