Emma Hayes will leave Chelsea at the end of the season, the club have announced, amid links to the United States women's national team.
Chelsea revealed Hayes will depart the Blues to pursue "a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football".
The stunning departure comes amid claims from Backheeled that Hayes is set to be named the next head coach of the USWNT.
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The role has been vacant since Vlatko Andonovski stepped down as manager after a poor World Cup outing.
Hayes joined Chelsea in 2012 and has since, gone on to win six WSL titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups, one Women’s Spring Series trophy and a Women’s Community Shield.
Indeed, the 47-year-old guided the team to a double on two occasions and achieved one domestic treble.
Hayes has been named WSL Manager of the Season on six occasions and LMA WSL Manager of the Season five times while she was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame two years ago.
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On Hayes departure Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: “Emma’s contribution to Chelsea cannot be understated.
"She has been a pioneer in women’s football and is hugely respected within the game. We look forward to continuing to work together over the coming months.”
Meanwhile, 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.
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“Given everything she has contributed to Chelsea in over a decade with the club, and the legacy she leaves behind, we would never stand in her way when she felt it was the right time to pursue a new challenge.
“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.
“There will be plenty of time to celebrate Emma’s many achievements at the club and to give her the farewell she deserves, but for now, as she always has been, Emma will be solely focused on making this season as successful as possible for Chelsea.”
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Topics: Football, Chelsea, Emma Hayes, Womens Super League
Chris Byfield