- By Jess Anderson
- BBC Sport
Image source, Getty Images
Hayes has spent her entire WSL managerial career at Chelsea
That is how former Chelsea player Claire Rafferty described news that manager Emma Hayes will leave the club at the end of the Women’s Super League season after 12 years at the helm.
Chelsea made the announcement on Saturday, saying the 47-year-old will pursue “a new opportunity outside the WSL and club football”.
Others have reflected on Hayes’ “tremendous” and “trailblazing” career in London, praised her “high expectations” and highlighted her influence on England’s top flight.
It is testament to Hayes’ significant work away from the pitch as well as on it that many are keen to highlight her research around player welfare and progressing the women’s game just as much as her 13 major trophies.
“She’s done a tremendous job when you see how long she’s been in the game and the growth that has occurred within it,” said Aston Villa defender Rachel Corsie, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“She’s someone who has really been a trailblazer in a lot of different ways.
“She likes to be proactive with new things. I think she was one of the first coaches that was open to discussing the menstrual cycle impact and how to change training – how do we adapt it, how do we get the best from players?”
Rafferty, who played under Hayes for six years as a left-sided defender and winger, said what the manager has done for the club and league is “nothing less than…
