Miami ratings: Herons toil without Messi

No Haaland in GOAL's Premier League Team of the Season

Canada job is make or break for Marsch's managerial career

Jurgen Klopp: More than a manager

GOAL's WSL Team of the 2023-24 Season

Lineker hits out at FIFA move closer to playing games abroad

Kane to finally pick up trophy ahead of Bayern clash

No trophies but Lehmann dazzles at Aston Villa awards night

£140m to £5m & no Messi reunion! Coutinho’s fall from grace

Wrexham ace says latest promotion feels 'different' to the first

Hayes is walking into a USWNT Olympic injury crisis

Bellingham to be forced into new role by Mbappe arrival

Madrid lose interest in Davies as new full-back plans revealed

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Ward to leave Aston Villa</li><li>The club tried to convince her to stay</li><li>Lehmann hails Ward's influence on Villa</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'Amazing three years' - Alisha Lehmann sends message to outgoing Aston Villa boss Carla Ward after exit announcement

Aston Villa Women

Manchester City Women

Ward's tenure at Aston Villa spanned three impactful years, during which she steered the Villans to unprecedented heights in the Women's Super League (WSL). Under her guidance, the club achieved their highest-ever WSL finish, clinching fifth place in the 2022/23 season, a testament to Ward's astute leadership and tactical acumen.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite Villa's commendable progress under her stewardship, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/new-manager-alisha-lehmann-rachel-daly-carla-ward-explains-why-leaving-aston-villa-wsl-side/blt94c8b196db92d7c5#cs32d8898164092304" target="_blank">Ward disclosed that she would be relinquishing her role,</a> citing family priorities as the primary impetus behind her decision. She had forged a wonderful bond with her players during her stint at Villa Park and Lehmann, in a poignant gesture of gratitude, shared a message on her Instagram story for the outgoing manager.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lehmann wrote: "Thank you for everything 🙏Amazing three years at this amazing club 💯😊"<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt83929ab951f820ac/441385772_1081188379648682_5169424899370635279_n_(1).jpg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt83929ab951f820ac/441385772_1081188379648682_5169424899370635279_n_(1).jpg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt83929ab951f820ac/441385772_1081188379648682_5169424899370635279_n_(1).jpg?format=jpg" alt="Alisha Lehmann story" data-source="" data-copyright="@alishalehmann7 Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:blt83929ab951f820ac;width:1290;height:2293"></picture>

WHAT LEHMANN SAID

During Ward's tenure, the Aston Villa Women's team witnessed significant milestones and achievements, including a memorable journey to the semi-finals of the Women's FA Cup and the last four of the Conti Cup.As Ward prepares to bid adieu, the club gears up for the final fixtures of her tenure, with an away clash against Brighton on Friday, followed by a momentous showdown against title contenders Manchester City on May 18. These remaining fixtures serve as an opportunity for the Villa faithful to pay tribute to Ward's contributions and bid her a fond farewell as she embarks on a new chapter in her life away from the pitch.

WHAT NEXT?

'Amazing three years' - Alisha Lehmann sends message to outgoing Aston Villa boss Carla Ward after exit announcement | Goal.com US

Alisha Lehmann sent a heartfelt message to Aston Villa boss Carla Ward who will &quot;step down&quot; from her post at the end of the season.

Editors' Picks