Football News Update: Aston Villa Women in Advanced Talks to Appoint New Manager

Aston Villa are in the advanced stages of appointing a new manager for their women’s team, with Icelandic coach Elisabet Gunnarsdottir emerging as one of the leading candidates.

According to reports, Villa have drawn up a shortlist of potential coaches to replace former manager Carla Ward, who stepped down from her role at the end of the previous season. Elisabet, 47, is believed to be in discussions with the club, having left her position at Swedish side Kristianstads DFF in November after a 15-year tenure.

Villa’s initial top target, former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro, has instead opted to join French powerhouse Lyon, a move that was confirmed on Wednesday. Another manager said to be under consideration is Bristol City’s Lauren Smith, who oversaw her team’s promotion to the Women’s Super League in 2023 and their subsequent relegation in 2024.

Elisabet, who has previously served as an assistant coach for the Iceland national team, was also reportedly among the leading candidates for the Chelsea job, before Sonia Bompastor was ultimately appointed as Emma Hayes’ successor in May.

“Last season, Aston Villa finished seventh in the WSL, an improvement from their club-record high of fifth place in the 2022-23 campaign.”

The search for a new manager comes as Villa aim to strengthen their women’s team and build on their recent progress in the top flight of English women’s football.

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