Carla Ward: Aston Villa manager signs contract extension

Aston Villa have won five of their 10 matches in the WSL so far this season

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Ward joined Villa in May 2021 and had six months remaining on her deal with the option for the club to extend.

Villa finished ninth in her first season and after 10 games in 2022-23 they sit seventh in the 12-team Women's Super League.

"I'm delighted but it's about kicking on again - I want more, now it's about moving forward," said Ward.

"When I came in I set out very clearly to the board what I wanted to achieve over the three years and the initial period. I think we're on track to do that.

"It shows on and off the pitch with some of the infrastructure we've put in place and some of the bodies we've brought in. We've brought a lot of experience in and that's been key to success on the pitch."

Head of women's football Lee Billiard said: "We have seen significant improvement in the team under her leadership, both individually and collectively.

"This contract extension will allow her to continue progressing and building on our strategy to try to develop young players while putting Aston Villa at the heart of the women's game in England at this exciting time."

Villa, who have also reached the Continental Cup quarter-finals, will face Manchester City in the WSL on Saturday.

Ward's strong influence in transfer market - analysis

BBC Sport's Emma Sanders

This is a smart move by Villa with Ward's influence on the squad growing rapidly.

Since arriving in the summer of 2021, Villa have made steady progress on the pitch with results improving this season - reflected by their current standings in the table.

However, it is perhaps Ward's role in the transfer window which has been most impressive. Despite a smaller budget than others in the WSL, Villa have been able to attract some big-name players this year.

After signing European champion Rachel Daly in the summer - she is currently the WSL's top scorer - they have brought experienced English midfielders Lucy Staniforth and Jordan Nobbs to the club in January.

Ward has also connected with a core group of players during her time at both Birmingham and Villa and they are continuing to show progression.

With the right resources and support from the board, Ward has shown she is a manager who can take the team forward next season.