Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward will step down from her position at the end of the season.
WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Villans just a short time ago.
Ward has spent three seasons in charge of Aston Villa, overseeing a transformation of the team. The Midlands club have recorded progressive league finishes in the last two seasons while they could finish as high as seventh this term.
After a lengthy period in the job, Ward has now deemed it to be the right time to step back and focus on life away from football.
Speaking following the announcement, Ward said “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 percent 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 Monchi and 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.”
Ward has two more games in charge of Aston Villa which are against Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow and at home to Manchester City on the final day of the season.