Chelsea: Casey Stoney withdraws from race to succeed Emma Hayes | OneFootball

Staying put: Casey Stoney wants to remain in the USA with San Diego Wave

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Former England defender Casey Stoney has pulled out of the race to replace Emma Hayes at Chelsea.

Stoney was considered one of the leading candidates to take over from Hayes, who is leaving Stamford Bridge to take charge of the USA women's national team in the summer, but she wishes to remain at NWSL side San Diego Wave.

Stoney, who was capped 130 times by England during her playing career, has impressed in San Diego and led the club to their first NWSL Shield in 2023. The 41-year-old, who enjoyed a stint at Manchester United before heading to the USA, has been tipped to manage England one day.

Chelsea have begun the interview process to replace Hayes and are keen to name a successor before the season ends.

Laura Harvey, a former Arsenal manager now at Seattle Reign, was a club guest at Stamford Bridge for the Champions League match against Hacken in December - but recently indicated that she too is happy in the USA.

“It is always nice to feel like you are wanted, but my home is in Seattle right now,” she said.

Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, who managed the Swedish side Kristianstads DFF from 2009 to 2023, remains in the running.

Chelsea are leaning towards appointing a female coach, but male candidates, such as former Barcelona boss Lluis Cortes, were also asked to apply earlier in the process.

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward and Hayes's former assistant Tanya Oxtoby have also been considered.