The Aston Villa Women's Super League squad has seen a lot of churn over the summer, as new manager Carla Ward looks to put her stamp on the side.
The arrival of highly rated English goalkeeper Hannah Hampton from Birmingham City is the stand-out piece of recruitment, whilst Swiss attacker Alisha Lehmann will bring some spice to Villa's attack.
Aston Villa Women's Super League squad
- GK: Sian Rogers
- GK: Hannah Hampton
- DF: Sarah Mayling
- DF: Elisha N'Dow
- DF: Anita Asante
- DF: Natalie Haigh
- DF: Olivia McLoughlin
- DF: Freya Gregory
- DF: Meaghan Sargeant
- DF: Mayumi Pacheco
- MF: Remi Allen
- MF: Chloe Arthur
- MF: Ramona Petzelberger
- MF: Emily Syme
- MF: Marisa Ewers
- FW: Alisha Lehmann
- FW: Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah
- FW: Jodie Hutton
- FW: Sophie Haywood
- FW: Shania Hayles
- FW: Emily Gielnik
Aston Villa Women's Super League squad: Team profile
Aston Villa's attempts to stay in the WSL at the first time of asking went down to the final day last season. An unexpected point against Arsenal in combination with Bristol City losing led to them securing a second season in the league. Having originally been promoted under managerial prodigy Gemma Davies, Davies was demoted half way through the season with Marcus Bignot taking charge. Both have now left the club, along with Eni Aluko who had been the Sporting Director.
Villa have recruited Carla Ward to lead the side this season. Ward is highly rated having kept Birmingham City up under improbable circumstances, including having only eight players on her arrival. Ward has brought several players over from Birmingham, including the very talented young goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and midfielder Sarah Mayling.
Other signings have included Alisha Lehmann, a tricky forward well known for her dribbling ability, and Mayumi 'Maz' Pacheco at fullback. Ward has also signed Australian veteran striker Emily Gielnik to take some of the attacking pressure of Shania Hayles.
There is no doubt that the squad is good enough to stay up this season but Ward will have to work hard on the team's attacking. No Aston Villa player managed more than three goals last season.
Aston Villa Women's Super League squad: Who is Aston Villa's best player?
Hannah Hampton
20 year old Hannah Hampton is part of an exciting young crop of English goalkeepers including Ellie Roebuck and Sandy MacIver. Hampton was integral to keeping Birmingham in the league over the past couple of seasons.
Aston Villa Women's Super League squad: Who is Aston Villa's manager?
Carla Ward
Recruiting Ward was quite a coup for Aston Villa, given that her name had also been linked to the vacant Arsenal and Manchester United jobs. Ward made her managerial debut in the WSL last season with Birmingham City, having previously managed Sheffield United for two seasons in the Championship.
Aston Villa WSL squad: Aston Villa's past WSL record
Aston Villa finished 10th in their first WSL season, having been promoted after winning the Championship the year before.
