Carla Ward has resigned as manager of Birmingham City Women and will depart at the end of 2020-21 season.
Ward’s decision to stand down comes just days after the club narrowly avoided relegation from the Women’s Super League, despite suffering a final day loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Birmingham City consequently finished the season in 11th place in Ward’s first season as manager, yet have won just one of their last 17 matches in all competitions since mid-November 2020.
Speaking on her decision to step down as manager despite feeling “immensely proud” of the team’s campaign, Ward said; ““I’ve been so fortunate to work with a group of players who have delivered every single day, taught me so much and are a credit to the Club and the BFAWSL.
“This year will live with me forever, from our first league win at Reading, to reaching the FA Cup semi-final and the late goals that secured our safety.
Paying tribute to the players and staff for their efforts in this tough campaign, Ward praised them for helping to create “fantastic memories” and achieve survival against the odds after a woeful run of 15 league games without a win.
Reflecting on what her experiences with the club meant to her, Ward said; “I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity and I leave this Football Club a better person and a better leader.”
Ward also acknowledged the support of fans who have been unable to attend matches due to the pandemic, especially those who she feels were “critical” of the team at various points over the last eight months.
Birmingham City General Manager, Sarah Westwood thanked Ward for “… her efforts and dedication to the position throughout the season.”
Westwood also noted how “challenging” this season has been throughout the Coronavirus pandemic without fans in attendance, yet praised Ward for how she motivated players and staff to achieve survival.
Ward’s final match in charge of the Blues will take place on Sunday as Birmingham City host Southampton in the Fifth Round of 2020-21 Women’s FA Cup at Damson Park.
Birmingham City have made no further comment as the search for a new manager gets underway, alongside Arsenal and Manchester United who also are on the hunt for new managers after resignations of Joe Montemurro and Casey Stoney in recent weeks.
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