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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<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><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>

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

Aston Villa Women

West Ham United 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" data-portal-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 English Saudi Arabia

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.