Aston Villa Women have confirmed the departure of assistant coach and club legend Shaun Goater, bringing an end to his tenure with the Midlands club. The former prolific striker joined the coaching staff in August 2024 and played a pivotal role during a period of significant transition for the side.
Goater’s impact at Villa Park extended beyond his duties as an assistant. In December 2024, he was called upon to take caretaker charge of the first team following the departure of Robert de Pauw. His steady hand during that interim period was highly valued by the club before he returned to his assistant role upon the permanent appointment of Natalia Arroyo.
The move marks another chapter in Goater's evolving coaching career. Before his move to Villa, he spent three years honing his craft behind the scenes at Manchester City—the club where he achieved legendary status as a player. His time in Manchester included stints with both the academy and the women’s senior side, providing him with a robust tactical foundation.
In a statement, Aston Villa expressed their gratitude for the Bermudian's "commitment and contribution" during his time with the squad. As the club continues its campaign under Arroyo, they move forward with well-wishes for Goater, whose experience as a top-flight goalscorer and developing coach has left a lasting impression on the dressing room.
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