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Shaun Goater’s time as Aston Villa head coach comes to end

Shaun Goater gives his views after his last match in charge of Aston Villa

Shaun Goater’s last match as interim head coach of Aston Villa women ended in a 4-2 defeat by Manchester City on Saturday.

The Bermudian, who learnt that Aston Villa had appointed 36-year-old Natalie Arroyo to the top job a few days earlier, will now return to his role as attacking coach after “brief discussions” with the incoming Spanish manager.

Goater made no secret of his desire to take the job on a full-time basis in an interview with BBC Sport just ten days ago.

Asked if he wanted the job permanently, Goater said: “Certainly, yes. The answer is basically yes. I'm enjoying it at the same time.

“The players are excited, confident and have smiles on their faces. That's the most important thing, to have players playing the Villa way and enjoying their football.

“I’m a people person. I try to encourage players to have the information that will help them to be the best they can.

“The role itself you can't have without a great support team. The team are absolutely brilliant. I couldn’t compliment the support team enough.”

Until suffering defeat against Manchester City in the last of his five games in charge, Goater had presided over an unbeaten run of four games, with a 4-1 victory over Charlton in the League Cup, a 3-1 win over West Ham in the Women’s Super League, a 9-0 thrashing of Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup and a 1-1 league draw with Everton.

For a time it appeared as if Goater may bow out from his time in charge with a win against one of women’s football top teams after his side took an early lead in the sixth minute through Chasity Grant.

Vivianne Miedema then scored twice to give Manchester City a half-time lead but Villa drew level a minute into the second half through a Leia Alexandri own goal. Goals from City’s Mary Fowler and Jess Park in the 54th and 62nd minutes respectively ended Villa’s hopes of victory and left Goater frustrated.

“Any result when we lose is not a good result,” the outgoing coach told Aston Villa TV after the match.

“The disappointing thing is that we got ourselves into a good position and got a good base to really go from but it was disappointing mistake from us that allowed them to get back in the game.

“Our game plan at that point was going according but when you give up an opportunity like that to a quality team, they take their chances.”

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Published January 27, 2025 at 9:15 am (Updated January 27, 2025 at 9:16 am)

Shaun Goater’s time as Aston Villa head coach comes to end

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