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Lee Billiard has been at Aston Villa for four years [Getty Images]
Aston Villa's head of women's football Lee Billiard is set to step down from his role at the end of the season by mutual consent.
Billiard joined Villa from Bristol City in 2021 and has overseen the running of the club during their time in the Women's Super League.
He has been a key leader in the team's player and management recruitment, as well as the running of day-to-day operations alongside Villa's board of directors.
It has been a disappointing season for Villa and they are currently fighting to avoid relegation, sitting four points clear of bottom club Crystal Palace.
They hired and sacked former boss Robert de Pauw after less than six months in charge before appointing current manager Natalia Arroyo in January.
A disappointing campaign, including poor results and unsuccessful recruitment, has led to internal frustrations and it seemed inevitable that change would happen.
It is understood Villa are looking at the possibility of bringing across a member of staff from the men's side of the club to fill the role.
The running of the women's team has adapted since the arrival of sporting director Monchi as president of football operations in 2023, with the club attempting to bring it closer to the men's side, but they have struggled for consistency.
Despite a difficult year, Billiard has had huge success previously at the club with the appointment of former manager Carla Ward, who led Villa to a highest league position when they finished fifth at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Billiard also helped consolidate their place in the WSL after they gained promotion from the Women's Championship in 2020 and helped implement an impressive recruitment strategy.
The club have been contacted for comment by BBC Sport.
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[BBC]
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