Ward to leave Aston Villa at end of season

Carla Ward has previously managed Birmingham City in the WSL

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward will leave the club at the end of the season despite having a year remaining on her contract.

It is understood discussions had taken place with the club as they attempted to reach an agreement but Ward expressed a desire to leave.

Last month, Ward told BBC Sport she had "questioned" the longevity of managing in the WSL while having a four-year-old daughter.

Ward led Aston Villa to their highest WSL finish last season as they ended in fifth place, as well as reaching the Women's FA Cup semi-finals.

Following a disappointing start to this campaign, they sit seventh with two games remaining.

Ward signed a new contract last May that extended her position at the club until the end of the 2024-25 season, with an option to extend for a further year.

"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," said Ward.

“Managing a great club like Aston Villa has been a full-throttle job and I have always given the role 100% 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.

“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."

Vidagany added: "In my opinion, Carla is one of the best managers in women’s football and we are sad to see her go. I would like to wish her all the best for the future."