Ex-Villa boss Ward ready for management return

Carla Ward managed Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the WSL

Former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward says she is ready to return to management in the Women's Super League or international football.

Ward stepped down from her role as Villa manager in May to "prioritise other important things in her life", despite having a year remaining on her contract.

However, after a period of self-reflection and some quality time with her five-year-old daughter Hartley, Ward says she feels mentally and physically stronger than ever before.

"When I stepped away, I always knew that this would be a break to work out whether I had a passion and an energy to stay in the game," Ward told BBC Sport.

"I wanted to think about what I would change and how I would go about it. The first few months I didn't miss it one bit.

"I spent time with Hartley, had a few holidays and went to the Olympics. But in the last month or so, I've started to get an itch and that burning passion hasn't gone away.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't want to get back into management. Of course I do. I always knew I would want to. It was just a matter of when."

'I can be stronger than ever'

In April, Ward told BBC Sport she had "questioned" the longevity of managing in the WSL while having a young daughter.

She says she "does not see herself" moving abroad because Hartley lives in Sheffield with her other mum when she is not with the ex-Villa boss.

"It's not as easy to work in another country but the WSL or international football would suit us in our personal lives," added Ward.

"Villa were supportive and I was fortunate. But I also wanted to make sure that when I was at work, I was at work and not worrying about being a mum.

"A lot of that was on me. I've seen environments where you can do both now. I probably didn't know how.

"There's things that would have to change. One thing is not working in every area and to have a cut-off point. Now I know I have to work smarter and not just 24/7."

Ward used the time away to "take learnings" and gather feedback on her management style from players, coaches and senior staff members.

"When I go back, I think I can be stronger and better than I ever was as a manager. I've learned a lot," said Ward.

"Taking a break allows you to sit back and reflect. I've been able to look at what I had done well - but also what I could change.

"It's been a really powerful six or seven months. I've asked for some honest opinions on areas I needed to improve and it's been the best thing for me."

'I became a mum again'

Ward admitted she had "questioned" whether she made the right decision to step away from football.

But when Hartley told her she was glad to be "spending more time with Mummy" Ward knew she had made the right decision.

"We have got so close. We do the school run every morning and it sounds silly but I became a mum again all of a sudden," said Ward.

"I have been to parents' evenings, taken her to dance classes, gymnastics and swimming. I've loved every minute.

"I thought it was going to be hard not being part of the opening weekend of the season but I didn't miss it.

"It made me realise that I did need that break. In more recent weeks, I've been watching games and I've found myself missing it."