Aston Villa manager Carla Ward will leave the club at the end of the season despite having a year remaining on her contract.
It is understood discussions had taken place with the club as they attempted to reach an agreement but Ward expressed a desire to leave.
Last month, Ward told BBC Sport she had “questioned” the longevity of managing in the WSL while having a four-year-old daughter.
Ward led Aston Villa to their highest WSL finish last season as they ended in fifth place, as well as reaching the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
Following a disappointing start to this campaign, they sit seventh with two games remaining.
Ward signed a new contract last May that extended her position at the club until the end of the 2024-25 season, with an option to extend for a further year.
“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,” said Ward.
“Managing a great club like Aston Villa has been a full-throttle job and I have always given the role 100% 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 [president of football operations] Monchi and [director of football operations] 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.”
Vidagany added: “In my opinion, Carla is one of the best managers in women’s football and we are sad to see her go. I would like to wish her all the best for the future.”
