![Carla Ward, Motm[16358]](https://cdn.islandecho.co.uk/uploads/2022/10/Carla-Ward-MOTM16358.jpeg)
Isle of Wight-born Carla Ward has won the football season’s first ‘Manager of the Month’ award for her team, Aston Villa, in the Barclay’s Women’s Super League.
Aston Villa went unbeaten in September and currently lie in 3rd place in the Women’s Super League. Ward masterminded Villa’s 1st win over Manchester City, in which they recovered from 3-2 down to win 4-3.
Villa continued their excellent start to the season with victory over Leicester, ending the month with maximum points.
Carla was born on the Island in 1983, but subsequently moved to Devon. In her playing career she started with Sporting Plaza de Angel (Spain), following which she had spells with Lincoln, Doncaster Rovers, and Sheffield FC, where she made over 200 appearances and scored over 200 goals.
In 2018, Carla became the manager of Sheffield United. She was then appointed manager of Birmingham City in 2020, following which she crossed the city to take on the hot seat at Aston Villa on 20th May 2021.
