AMERICAN ADVENTURE FOR ALUKO AFTER VILLA EXIT

ENIOLA ALUKO is leaving her role as Aston Villa Women’s sporting director to take up a new position in the United States.

The 34-year-old former England forward (right) was appointed to the post at Villa in early 2020, shortly after retiring from playing. Championship winners in 2019-20, the club then finished 10th in the Women’s Super League, with survival confirmed on the final day of the campaign. A club statement said: “Aston Villa Women can confirm that sporting director Eniola Aluko is leaving the club to take up a new position in US Women’s Soccer.

“We thank Eniola for her contribution and wish her every success.” Aluko said: “I am very grateful to Aston Villa Women for giving me the opportunity to begin my transition from playing into a sporting director role.

“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.”