Sheffield United Women’s manager Carla Ward has left the club with immediate effect. 

The 36 year-old guided the side into second place in the Women’s Championship before the Football Association terminated the season due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

She joined the club in 2017 as a player-assistant manager from Sheffield FC, before later taking charge.

Chief executive officer Stephen Bettis said: "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.”

A new head coach is yet to be announced ahead of the 2020/21 season. 

Ward added: “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 backed of the women's team and I can't thank them enough for that.

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