Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes has signed a new contract at the club. The 44-year old has been at Chelsea since 2012. She has overseen a succesful period for the club in her time as manager.
Emma Hayes Signs New Chelsea Deal
Proven and Successful
Hayes was part of Vic Akers’ successful stint as Arsenal manager, between 2006 and 2008. She was part of the backroom staff as Arsenal became the first, and, to date, only English club to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She also worked in the USA, with Chicago Red Stars, Western New York Flash and Washington Freedom.
After working in her family business for some time, Hayes joined Chelsea in 2012, replacing Matt Beard. Since then, Hayes has been in charge for 249 games, winning ten major trophies. She guided Chelsea to the Women’s Super League title in 2015, as well as the FA Cup in the same season. They won the 2017 Spring Series, which was designed as a short-term competition to facilitate the calendar change to align with the men’s leagues.
In the Covid-shortened 2019/20 season, Chelsea were awarded the title on a points-per-game basis. No such help was required as they retained the title in 2020/21. Over the years, Hayes has built a quality squad. Chelsea now have one of the best attacks in the world. The likes of Fran Kirby, Bethany England and Erin Cuthbert form a potent attacking unit. Despite that, Hayes and Chelsea went after players who would improve the squad. Guro Reiten, Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder have arrived, and they have elevated the attack.
Kerr, in particular, has formed an almost telepathic partnership with the superb Fran Kirby.
No Expiration Date on the Contract
According to Tom Garry, of Telegraph Sport, the lack on an end date in Chelsea’s announcement for Hayes’ new contract is by design. Indeed, there is no end date on the contract. Hayes is essentially staying on a permanent, long-term basis.
After falling in the semi-finals twice, Chelsea reached their first Champions League final in 2020/21. An irrepressible Barcelona side blew them away 4-0, however. That has not deterred Hayes, who has fought through difficulties.
As a result, neither Chelsea nor Hayes felt the need to set an expiration date. Hayes, whose Euro 2020 commentary has drawn praises from everyone, is now nine years into her reign as manager. She is an ambassador for the women’s game and has personally overseen Chelsea’s rise to one of, if not the best side in the WSL. She is committed to the Blues, as are they to her.
Right now, she is just looking forward to the new season, and welcoming fans back to Kingsmeadow after a year and half.
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