In November 2017, Carla Ward joined Sheffield United - then in the fourth tier of the English women’s pyramid - as player assistant manager.

She had just left United’s cross-city neighbours Sheffield FC, who were in the second-tier WSL 2. It was the classic case of an experienced head dropping down a couple of divisions to offer the benefit of their experience, both on and off the pitch. 

But just three months later came Ward’s Sliding Doors moment.

United manager Dan O’Hearne stepped down, forcing the 34-year-old Ward into a difficult decision – whether or not to hang up her boots and step into management full-time.

“If I didn’t take it at that moment, knowing I probably only had a few months left playing, then I potentially might have lost that opportunity,” she told WSC.

What followed in the five years since has been somewhat of a whirlwind - and has resulted in Ward being one of the most respected names in English women’s soccer.