Ward Resigns as Villa Women’s Manager

Carla Ward has announced her resignation as manager of Aston Villa Women, and will leave at end of 2023-24 season.

Ward was appointed as manager of Villa in May 2021 and led the club to ninth place in the Women’s Super League in the 2021-22 season, which was followed by a strong fifth-placed league finish last season.

Last season also saw Villa embark on a memorable run in the Women’s FA Cup run which saw them upset Manchester City in the Quarter-Finals, only to then suffer a narrow semi-final defeat to eventual champions – Chelsea.

This season though has proven more difficult with the club sat seventh in the WSL and reached the WSL League Cup semi-finals, where they lost 4-0 at Arsenal who went on to win the competition.

Ward has consequently decided after three years to resign from her post to allow someone else to take the club forward, whilst prioritising her own life.

“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.

“Managing a great club like Aston Villa has been a full-throttle job and I have always given the role 100 per cent dedication. However, I now believe it is the right time for me to prioritise the other important things – such as my daughter and the rest of my family life.”

Ward also paid tribute to Villa’s President of Football Operations, Monchi, plus Director of Football Operations – Damian Vidagany for their “immensely grateful” efforts to try and persuade her to stay, but she believes that now “is the right time to step down after our last game of the season.”

Monchi added that there had been “extensive dialogue” with Ward but has respected her decision to stand down.

“Therefore, on behalf of everybody at Aston Villa, I want to place on record our grateful thanks to Carla for everything she has achieved with us and wish her well for the future.”

Vidagany issued glowing praise for Ward as he commented: “In my opinion, Carla is one of the best managers in women’s football and we are sad to see here go. I would like to wish her all the best for the future.”

Ward’s final match in charge of Villa will take place at Bescot Stadium, Walsall, on Saturday 18 May against current WSL leaders, Man City on the final day of the season.