It is “absolutely imperative” that Aston Villa Women sign a new centre-back in the current January transfer window.
That is according to manager Carla Ward, with the Midlands club “actively” on the search for a player in that position.
Aston Villa Women, who occupy ninth place in the Women’s Super League (WSL) table, are currently on a winter break.
“We had seven defenders for four positions; we’re now down to five for four,” said Ward, as quoted by Sky Sports. “I think it’s absolutely imperative we get a centre-half in this window.
“It’s something we’re now actively on the search for. It’s something that is really important that we try and get over the line because five for four is not something we want to be going into the second half of the season with.”
Ward has her heart set on a new central defender, with the boss clearly not happy with her current options. And that is perhaps understandable, with Aston Villa Women certainly not at their best at the back this season.
They have conceded 22 goals in the current WSL campaign, with only rock-bottom Bristol City conceding more (26).
The poor defensive displays have had a major impact in a largely unsuccessful season so far, although Ward’s side have won their last two matches in all competitions.
A 5-1 FA WSL Cup win over Durham Women in mid-December was followed by a 1-0 WSL win over Brighton Women before the winter break.
The Midlands club get their league campaign back underway against Leicester City Women next Friday (19 January), but must first get past Everton Women in the FA Women’s Cup on Saturday (13 January).
That fourth round clash is set to be a very tough test for Ward and her players, with a new central defender perhaps unlikely to arrive before then.
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