Hayes quits Blues to lead US
CHELSEA manager Emma Hayes took her club by surprise yesterday by announcing she would be leaving at the end of the season.
The news broke only an hour after Chelsea had moved to the top of the Women’s Soccer League table with a 6-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Mail Sport understands that Hayes has agreed a deal to become the next head coach of the United States women’s team.
The US have been looking for a manager since Vlatko Andonovski was sacked after a disappointing last-16 exit at this summer’s World Cup. Twila Kilgore has served as interim manager since Andonovski’s departure.
Hayes, 47, is the longest-serving manager in the WSL, having joined Chelsea in 2012.
In her 11 years at the club, she has won 15 trophies, including six WSL titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, one Spring Series and one Community Shield.
Her exit will leave a big hole at Chelsea, with many players having joined the club to play under her.
‘Emma’s contribution to Chelsea cannot be overstated,’ a statement from Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali read.
‘She has been a pioneer in women’s football and is hugely respected within the game. We look forward to continuing to work together over the coming months.’
Hayes was coy when she was asked about the possibility of taking the US job before the World Cup final. ‘Listen, I’m very happy at Chelsea, I’ve made that clear. I’ve been there for 11 years, it’s my home,’ Hayes said in August.
‘I think the US has wonderful players and perhaps the tournament didn’t go the way they wanted but my focus is on getting home and preparing the team for the start of the season.’
Chelsea have assured Hayes that she will be given a proper send-off at the end of the season and that they will take time to identify a successor.
In a statement sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: ‘Emma has been one of the biggest drivers of change in women’s football. Her achievements at Chelsea are unrivalled and will live in the club’s history for ever.
‘Given everything she has contributed to Chelsea in over a decade with the club, and the legacy she leaves behind, we would never stand in her way when she felt it was the right time to pursue a new challenge. We are pleased that she will remain with the club for the remainder of the season to give us the time to identify her successor.
‘There will be plenty of time to celebrate Emma’s many achievements and to give her the farewell she deserves.
‘However, for now, as she always has been, Emma will be solely focused on making this season as successful as possible for Chelsea.’
Hayes has been named WSL manager of the season on six occasions and was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame in 2021.
It was announced last week that Hayes would be the first woman to be honoured at the English Football Writers’ Association’s tribute night in its 40-year history.