Aston Villa Women: Carla Ward contract extension is a landmark move in club’s skywards trajectory
Aston Villa have taken up the option to extend Carla Ward’s stay in the West Midlands with a fresh contract that keeps her at the club until the end of the 2023/24 season.
After joining Villa in May 2021, Ward had just six months left of her deal remaining but has been given a vote of confidence by the club’s hierarchy (Thursday 19 January) after a promising start to the WSL season.
Villa finished ninth in her first season at the helm but have progressed considerably this campaign, as they sit seventh in the 12-team league after ten matches.
Speaking to Villa TV upon putting pen to paper, the manager said: “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.
“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 move to snap up Ward on an extended contract is a smart piece of business by the club and trumps any of the brilliant moves made for players in the January transfer window so far.
The 39-year-old’s influence on proceedings in the West Midlands is growing by the month, and she certainly would have played a large role in the acquisitions of Rachel Daly in the summer and Jordan Nobbs and Lucy Staniforth this January.
Despite having a smaller budget than some of their WSL counterparts, Ward has still managed to lure international-level quality to the West Midlands, and her side now looks primed for a strong run in the second half of this season.
Players such as Laura Blindkilde Brown and Sarah Mayling also remain well connected to the Villa head coach after spending time at both Birmingham City and Villa, and there is a really strong-looking spine to the Villans this term.
The significant steps taken under Ward have been punctuated by impressive wins over Manchester City and Manchester United this term, and a trip to the former awaits Villa this Saturday (21 January).
With the correct backing from the board, the sky is the limit for Ward and Aston Villa in the coming years.
In other Aston Villa news, this one first-team player could quickly become a fan-favourite after his brilliant performance against Leeds in the Premier League.