Saturday November 4 was a standard day at the office for Chelsea and Emma Hayes. Coming up against an Aston Villa side that took the Women’s Super League by storm last season, the Blues were ruthless in a 6-0 thrashing that took the Blues to the table’s summit. Fran Kirby was outstanding as she continued her comeback, Niamh Charles maintained her impressive early season form and Chelsea kept its unbeaten start to the season intact. And then, just over 30 minutes after the full-time whistle had blown, the news broke.
“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,” a statement read. It sent social media into an absolute frenzy. That wasn’t the end of it, either.
Within minutes, there was more, with report after report after report all-but-confirming that her next destination will be the biggest job in the women’s game: Head coach of the United States women’s national team.
Hayes has been in charge of Chelsea for almost 12 years now. She has fought for investment in this team, won every honor on offer domestically and turned the Blues into the dominant force in English women’s football. She loves the club and she loves the job. Many have wondered for a while, then, what could possibly turn her head. What would be a worthy next chapter? What could possibly follow this one?
It looks like the answer to those questions is the USWNT. For a programme in disarray after its earliest World Cup exit in history this summer, this is a huge boost. One of the most successful and well-respected coaches in the sport is on her way, with her appointment finally being confirmed on Tuesday. So is this the dream appointment it appears?