For many followers of women’s football, a Women’s Super League without Emma Hayes is somewhat unthinkable. Hayes has been a fixture at Chelsea, she has lived and breathed Chelsea, she has been Chelsea for 11 years and has been a key part of the rise of the women’s game in England, synonymous with its growth and success.
Her exit, not announced by her but by a club statement, perhaps pre-empting the news being leaked, was a shock. “Chelsea FC can today confirm that highly decorated Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes OBE will depart the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football,” it said.
