Aston Villa, which plays in the Women's Super League, has appointed Natalia Arroyo as its new coach.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who left Real Sociedad at the end of the 2023-24 season, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, pending visa approval.
Villa sacked Robert De Pauw last December, and Sean Goater, who said he wanted the position on a permanent basis, took caretaker charge of the team.
Arroyo's first match will be against Chelsea in the Women's Soccer League on Sunday, February 2 and he will be “supported by the current coaching staff.”
“Natalia has impressed us with her passion for football and her approach to coaching,” Villa head of football operations Monchi said.
“We believe Natalia has all the tools to succeed at Aston Villa.”
During her time at Spanish club Real Sociedad, Arroyo achieved qualification for the UEFA Women's Champions League and an appearance in the Copa de la Reina final.
“We are familiar with Natalia’s style of play and admire her philosophy,” said Lee Billiard, Aston Villa’s head of women’s football.
“After extensive research, Natalia consistently excelled in meeting our requirements.”
