Pioneer Emma Hayes to leave Chelsea Women | OneFootball

Chelsea have just announced that women’s team manager Emma Hayes will leave the club at the end of the season in something of a Saturday news bombshell.

The highly decorated coach looks set to join the USA national team, which is perhaps the most prestigious job in the sport.

Hayes has brought unprecedented success to Chelsea – since joining in 2012 she’s won 6 Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cup, two League Cups and a Spring Series trophy.

Along the way were two doubles and a domestic treble – and 6 WSL manager of the season awards.

They may never be another like her in the sport, and she certainly will be a figure who is never forgotten at Chelsea.

The sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart had the following to say about Hayes and her impact at Chelsea:

“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 forever.

“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 at the club and to give her the farewell she deserves, but for now, as she always has been, Emma will be solely focused on making this season as successful as possible for Chelsea.”

Chairmen and co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali added the following:

“Emma’s contribution to Chelsea cannot be understated. 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.”

Well done, thank you, and good luck wherever you end up next, Emma…