Aston Villa manager Carla Ward has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2023-24 season.
Ward joined Villa in May 2021 and had six months remaining on her deal with the option for the club to extend.
Villa finished ninth in her first season and after 10 games in 2022-23 they sit seventh in the 12-team Women’s Super League.
“I’m delighted but it’s about kicking on again – I want more, now it’s about moving forward,” said Ward.
“When I came in I set out very clearly to the board what I wanted to achieve over the three years and the initial period. I think we’re on track to do that.
“It shows on and off the pitch with some of the infrastructure we’ve put in place and some of the bodies we’ve brought in. We’ve brought a lot of experience in and that’s been key to success on the pitch.”
Head of women’s football Lee Billiard said: “We have seen significant improvement in the team under her leadership, both individually and collectively.
“This contract extension will allow her to continue progressing and building on our strategy to try to develop young players while putting Aston Villa at the heart of the women’s game in England at this exciting time.”
Villa, who have also reached the Continental Cup quarter-finals, will face Manchester City in the WSL on Saturday.