Ward: Villa must continue to progress

Carla Ward is looking forward to continuing Aston Villa Women’s progress after seeing her contract extended.

It was announced on Thursday that the club had taken up its option to extend Ward’s contract to the end of the 2023/24 season.

The Women’s manager, whose team are currently seventh in the Barclays WSL, is determined to keep pushing the club to new heights.

“I set out, two years ago now, what I wanted to achieve; we spoke to the club about a direction that I wanted to take it in, and I think we’re well on track with that,” she said.

“It was important to extend it and continue that journey.

“It was important that we set out a clear strategy. We pulled that strategy up last week and had a look at where we are; there were a lot of elements to that – not just on the pitch but off it as well.

“We’re developing really well as a football club, so that’s important. It’s also been an enjoyable journey because we’re at a club that fully supports its women’s team.

“The fans make it enjoyable as well. It’s a good position to be in.”

Ward joined Villa in May 2021 after impressing with her work at Sheffield United in the second tier and Birmingham City in the WSL.

The 39-year-old led the club to an improved ninth-place finish in her first season and has overseen further progression during the current campaign.

Villa are just one victory away from matching last season’s win total (6) and are poised for a strong second half of the season after the January additions of Lucy Staniforth and Jordan Nobbs.

Ward said: “When you set out you have a clear vision, a clear strategy and a clear plan of what you want to go after.

“There have been many bumps in the road and I think they’re important because it allows you to grow and ask questions of yourself.

“Some of the senior players will tell you I’m constantly leaning on them to ask their experiences and that’s important because in order to grow you need to keep asking questions of yourself and what you’re doing.

“We’ve got to continue to grow as we’ve got a lot to learn.”

Aston Villa Women are pleased to confirm half-season tickets are still on sale!

We already have a record number of season ticket holders on board for the 2022/23 season following the success of the Lionesses in July, and with some big games coming up at both Poundland Bescot Stadium and Villa Park, this is a great opportunity to get your women's football fix!