Former Aston Villa Manager Carla Ward Signals Readiness for Return to Football Management

Carla Ward, who previously managed Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the WSL, has indicated her readiness to re-enter management within the Women’s Super League or international football arena. Ward resigned from her position as Villa manager in May, citing a need to “prioritise other important things in her life,” even though her contract still had a year left. Following a period of introspection and dedicated time with her five-year-old daughter, Hartley, Ward asserts that she now feels mentally and physically more robust than previously. She conveyed to BBC Sport, “When I stepped away, I always knew that this would be a break to work out whether I had a passion and an energy to stay in the game. I wanted to think about what I would change and how I would go about it. The first few months I didn’t miss it one bit. I spent time with Hartley, had a few holidays and went to the Olympics. But in the last month or so, I’ve started to get an itch and that burning passion hasn’t gone away. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to get back into management. Of course I do. I always knew I would want to. It was just a matter of when.” In April, Ward had previously informed BBC Sport that she had “questioned” the sustainability of managing in the WSL while raising a young daughter. She states that she “does not see herself” relocating abroad, as Hartley resides in Sheffield with her other mother when not with the former Villa boss. Ward further commented, “It’s not as easy to work in another country but the WSL or international football would suit us in our personal lives.” “Villa were supportive and I was fortunate. But I also wanted to make sure that when I was at work, I was at work and not worrying about being a mum. A lot of that was on me. I’ve seen environments where you can do both now. I probably didn’t know how. There’s things that would have to change. One thing is not working in every area and to have a cut-off point. Now I know I have to work smarter and not just 24/7,” she explained. Ward utilized her break to “take learnings” and solicit feedback regarding her management approach from players, coaches, and senior staff. Ward stated, “When I go back, I think I can be stronger and better than I ever was as a manager. I’ve learned a lot.” She further elaborated, “Taking a break allows you to sit back and reflect. I’ve been able to look at what I had done well – but also what I could change. It’s been a really powerful six or seven months. I’ve asked for some honest opinions on areas I needed to improve and it’s been the best thing for me.” Ward acknowledged that she had “questioned” the correctness of her decision to withdraw from football. However, upon hearing Hartley express happiness about “spending more time with Mummy,” Ward realized her decision had been sound. Ward remarked, “We have got so close. We do the school run every morning and it sounds silly but I became a mum again all of a sudden.” She continued, “I have been to parents’ evenings, taken her to dance classes, gymnastics and swimming. I’ve loved every minute.” “I thought it was going to be hard not being part of the opening weekend of the season but I didn’t miss it. It made me realise that I did need that break. In more recent weeks, I’ve been watching games and I’ve found myself missing it,” she concluded.