Eni Aluko leaves Aston Villa and is expected to take a job in the United States before the start of the new season; Villa bosses Marcus Bignot and Gemma Davies have also left their managerial roles this week
Friday 14 May 2021 22:47, UK
Eni Aluko has left her role as sporting director of Aston Villa Women to pursue a position in the United States.
Aluko joined Villa at the start of the season, with the club narrowly avoiding relegation on the final weekend.
The departure comes after a number of high-profile WSL clubs have recently parted ways with their managers, including Manchester United's Casey Stoney and Joe Montemurro at Arsenal.
Villa manager Marcus Bignot and head coach Gemma Davies have also left their roles this week.
An announcement regarding Aluko's next club is not expected for a couple of weeks yet, but Villa did confirm that she will be heading to the US.
"I am very grateful to Aston Villa Women for giving me the opportunity to begin my transition from playing into a sporting director role," Aluko said. "It has been such a valuable experience to help the Club during its first season in the Women's Super League and I was delighted that we were able to secure our top-flight status.
"I am sure Aston Villa Women will continue to grow and become a powerful force in the women's game."
Last week, Aluko hailed her former club Chelsea as "relentless winners" and "the best team in the world", after Emma Hayes' side secured the Women's Super League title over the weekend.
"They're going to have to prove that obviously on Sunday against Barcelona in the Champions League final," she added.
"My heart is blue. I love that team, I love the journey that they've been on."
Watch the Women's Football Show on Friday at 6pm on Sky Sports Football.
