So Long, London… the Departure of Emma Hayes

 by Jamie H

Emma Hayes has been Chelsea women’s manager for the past 12 years. She’s seen five FA Cup wins, four back-to-back WSL wins and has led Chelsea to many stages within the Champions League, including the final in 2021.  Chelsea women adore her and see her as greatness that has led their team to so many victories.

When news hit that Emma Hayes will be leaving at the end of the season to depart off to the American national team, many hearts broke. No matter whether Chelsea fans or not, there is a deep understanding within the women’s game that Emma Hayes is a WSL hero, and she has helped see the game grow into what it is now.

This last season has had victories and many losses, even though this was the season that was supposed to be the perfect send-off. Many would argue this goal set has failed.  Nonetheless Chelsea have broken records and, even without any trophies this year, Emma Hayes' time does not need to be defined by one season but rather the 12 distinguished years that she has had.

However, due to the high pressures and media attention, there have been various outbursts which have therefore caused poor actions. For instance, we saw an outburst from her at the end of the Continental cup final against Arsenal. The shove caused many to question her authority as a manager; even though sticking up for a player is crucial, an anger outburst is just disappointing. Was she frustrated? Was she upset with the loss? Many would propose that having the high pressure of securing another trophy antagonised the situation to an extent, which she later apologised for, stating that her reaction should not have been aggression.

Although this gained much coverage, it shall not be forgotten that Emma Hayes has seen the Chelsea women’s game reach a standard it has never seen before. She always wanted growth. She has stated how much she adores Kings Meadow on many occasions, but she has said how she has wanted more games and more sellouts at the home of Chelsea, Stamford Bridge.

The season has seen that with the Arsenal game have an attendance of 32,970 and the Barcelona game creating history by selling out Stamford Bridge for the first time at a Chelsea women’s game, showing that, even as trophy-less as this season has been, Emma Hayes will be leaving the Chelsea side with the support and the growth she has always wanted.

Millie Bright, the Captain of Chelsea, told reporters: "It's been a bit of a whirlwind. As a player and a person, I was devastated. I've been here nine years under Emma and the things I've learned. I've always spoken so highly of her. She's a mentor, a coach, a friend, a life coach. It's more than just football playing under her”, exhibiting the impact she has made on players and the footprint she will leave behind.

You may hate Chelsea. You may not like Emma Hayes. But you don’t need to, to understand and acknowledge the great achievement of not only silver-wear but her consistent contribution in helping the women’s game grow. Goodbye to your bluest days. So long, London. So long, Chelsea Emma Hayes.