CARLA WARD is stepping down as Aston Villa manager at the end of the season, the Women’s Super League club announced today.

The 40-year-old took charge in 2021 following spells as manager of Sheffield United and cross-city rivals Birmingham.

Ward led Villa to ninth in 2021-22 and then a best-ever WSL finish of fifth last term, with the club currently seventh with two games to go of what is going to be her final campaign in charge.