12 January 2024 , 12:38
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Senior players have told Chelsea 's hierarchy that they want a female coach to replace long-time manager Emma Hayes.
Hayes, 47, announced her imminent departure from the reigning league champions last year as she prepares to take on the vacant managerial role of three-time world champions USA. The current Blues boss departs at the end of the season.
Her exit marks the end a remarkable era for Chelsea under Hayes, encompassing 12 years of unprecedented success. Hayes is credited with building a largely unrivalled dynasty in west London which has seen her claim six Women's Super League titles and five FA Cups, while also being named the best coach in the game by FIFA in 2021.
Hayes' replacement has been a heavily mooted topic, with ex-Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth most recently linked with the vacancy.
But, as first reported by the Times, a small number of key players were queried on their preference of manager by those in power, and the feedback provided made clear that the players would prefer a female coach.
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Laura Harvey, the current manager of NWSL Seattle Reign, and Casey Stoney, current manager of NWSL San Diego Wave, are the leading candidates to replace Hayes, though other names are being considered.
Stoney has impressed since departing Manchester United and won the NWSL Shield in 2023.
Harvey has laid claim to the Shield three times and formerly managed Arsenal before departing for the States. Harvey was in the Chelsea directors' box at Stamford Bridge for the side's Champions League fixture against BK Hacken last month. Stoney too was also in England over the Christmas period.
Emma Hayes lifts the Barclays Women's Super League trophy (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Among Hayes' success on the pitch, the Chelsea coach has been in integral to revolutionising women's health-related advancements across the game, from hiring specialists on the menstrual cycle and pelvic floor strength, while emphasising a need for general understanding of women's health to be a priority within the club environment.
Lluis Cortes, now the Saudi Arabia women's head coach, was another male candidate linked with the Chelsea gig. Aston Villa manager Carla Ward has also been named.
Hayes has made clear that she is focussed on her final season with Chelsea, particularly her bid to win a first-ever Champions League title with the club.
But she will also be working on the recruitment of her replacement, along with the club's co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.