Blades manager Carla Ward leaves Sheffield United

The 36-year-old had been at United since 2017, after moving from Sheffield FC.

Ward said: “I want to place on record my thanks to everyone at the football club for the opportunity to work at what’s been a very special club.

“From the moment I walked in, every single department has been so supportive and fully backing of the women’s team and I can’t thank them enough for that, it gave me an opportunity to learn and develop in my role and allowed us to achieve what we have on the pitch.

“For now a new fresh challenge is needed and I wish everyone at the football club the very best of luck.”

Chief executive officer, Stephen Bettis, added: “On behalf of the owner, board and everyone at the club, I’d like to place on record our thanks to Carla for the four years of service.

“Carla was instrumental in the club achieving FA Championship status in 2018 and also in the women’s team reaching their highest ever position in the pyramid before the 2019-20 season was curtailed.

“However, both parties have opted to go down a different path. We will announce a new head coach in due course to be ready for the start of the 2020-21 campaign.”