Women's Super League: Chelsea manager Emma Hayes to leave at end of season

Chelsea have announced that their manager Emma Hayes is to leave the club at the end of the season.

Hayes has been in charge of the Blues for more than ten years and is regarded as one of the game's most influential coaches.

Under her leadership the club has won 13 major trophies including six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups.

Although her next move is yet to be announced, Hayes has been linked with the vacant USA women's manager job.

Emma Hayes' place in Chelsea history

Hayes is one of the most successful managers in the WSL, guiding Chelsea to an historic double on two occasions and achieving one domestic treble.

Since joining the Blues in 2012, she has been named FA WSL Manager of the Season on six occasions and was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame in 2021.

In a statement Chelsea said that Hayes will depart in the summer to pursue "a new opportunity outside the WSL and club football."

The club also paid tribute to Hayes and thanked her for her contribution.

What have people said about Emma Hayes leaving Chelsea?

Chelsea's co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: "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."

They added: "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."

Hayes has been linked with the vacant USA women's job after Vlatko Andonovski resigned as manager following their shock early exit at this summer's Women's World Cup.

Chelsea are currently three points clear at the top of the WSL table.