League One

EMMA HAYES has slapped down speculation linking her to League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon.
And the Chelsea boss rubbished the view that the Dons’ managers job would be a step up from her current role at the helm of the WSL champs. 

Emma Hayes says AFC Wimbledon cannot afford her Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Hayes has dismissed rumours linking her to the vacant manager’s role at AFC Wimbledon Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Hayes, 44, was speaking to journalists following reports of her being shortlisted to become AFC Wimbledon’s new manager. 
But the Blues gaffer revealed she is happy to be leading her WSL title-winners and that her focus is on Chelsea’s Conti Cup semis clash with West Ham. 
And the highly-rated coach reckons the Dons could ‘absolutely not’ afford her. 
Hayes said: “First of all, I think it’s important we talk about my game tomorrow – I’m the manager of Chelsea. 

“I manage and represent elite world-class players and for me, this is an amazing job I’ve spent nine years cultivating all of my energy into. 
“I’m not looking for another job, I’m blessed with working with wonderful humans day-in, day-out.
“I just don’t know why anybody would think women’s football is a step down. 
“If coaching World Cup champions, winners, players who have represented their countries in the Olympics or Euros is a step down from anything.

“I think the football world needs to wake up and recognise that women’s football- while the game is played by a different gender to men – is exactly the same sport.”
“This is not a conversation about Emma Hayes and AFC Wimbledon, but we should be having larger conversations about creating opportunities in the men’s game are not limited to those in privileged positions.”

Hayes has won 11 major trophies with Chelsea’s women’s side Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Hayes, who is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, has won 11 major trophies with the club. 
A move to the Dons would have seen the Camden-born coach become the first woman in history to take charge of a men’s football league side.

Women’s football is not a step down from anything
Emma Hayes

However the former Arsenal assistant manager questioned why anyone would want to leave elite women’s football management for coaching a lower tier men’s side battling relegation.
And her view was echoed by England Women’s legend Fara Williams who believes Hayes would face an uphill struggle in the Dons’ hotseat. 
England’s most-capped player said: “Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No. I think the odds would all be against her going into that position.
“The positions she’s in with Chelsea is a much better position.”
WRONG STEP
Hayes added: “Women’s football is not a step down from anything. 
“Women’s football in its right is something to celebrate and the quality and achievements of all the females I represent.
“Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, Beth England, Magda Eriksson, Millie Bright, Maren Mjelde, do you want me to keep going? 
“These are world-class players and I think that’s what I’m disappointed with, not being linked to a football job as a football coach, regardless of gender.
“But as you can see with – I’m happy at Chelsea and I love my job here and I’ve always been clear about that. Nothing has changed.” 
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Hayes says she is happy to be managing world-class talent at the BluesCredit: Prime Media

Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

FARA WILLIAMS reckons Emma Hayes could face an uphill struggle if she takes charge of AFC Wimbledon. 
And the England Women’s legend thinks the highly-rated Chelsea manager is better off at the helm of the WSL champs.

Reading ace Fara Williams believes Emma Hayes would be better off staying as Chelsea bossCredit: Getty – Contributor

Emma Hayes is reportedly on the short-list for the vacant manager role at AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Williams, 37, who is the country’s most decorated Lioness, was speaking hours after the Express revealed Hayes is reportedly on the shortlist to become the next Dons manager.  
Such a move would see the Kingsmeadow chief, who led Chelsea to a record-breaking 33 game unbeaten run, become the first woman in history to boss a men’s football league outfit. 
The League One strugglers, who are currently one place above the drop zone, called time on Glyn Hodges’ tenure after a 2-0 loss to arch-rivals MK Dons.
Williams told talkSPORT 2’s Women’s Football Weekly: “I think it’s credit to the work Emma has done over the past years and certainly for the past year with her Chelsea team. 

“Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No.
“I think the odds would all be against her going into that position 
“I would say the position she is in at the minute with Chelsea is a much better position for her.
“But I think it’s great that she is being spoken about in that bracket to go and work within the men’s game. 

“If it is to happen, it’s fantastic and it opens up doors for many other women within the game.” 

Hayes, 44, is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: PA:Press Association

Hayes, 44, whose Blues will take on West Ham in the Conti Cup semis, is considered to be one of the best coaches in women’s football.
In addition to leading Chelsea to three league titles and two FA Cups, the Camden-born gaffer won 11 major trophies during her three-season spell as Arsenal’s assistant manager. 
Hayes, who joined Chelsea in 2012, is reportedly being eyed for the AFC Wimbledon post alongside ex-Dons players Ian Holloway and Luke Garrard, and ex-England and Gunners star Sol Campbell.

We just need somebody to break the mould
Emma Hayes

Other names being touted include Morecambe coach Derek Adams and former Fleetwood manager Joey Barton.
Days before the story broke Hayes told SunSport that she hoped to see women coaching men’s sides in the future.
The Chelsea boss said:”I’m like everyone, I would hope for a fair and equal society and making great strides to create opportunities for women in the men’s game. 
“Are we at the stage where a Premier League or Championship club is close to hiring a female?
“You would have to ask the board because they’re the people that have to make the decisions about who they hire.
“I just hope we do start to see more females coaching teams like you see across American sports.
“And I suspect that when that happens the first time and there is a success to it, that it will happen subsequently. 
“We just need somebody to break the mould.”

Hayes has led Chelsea to 11 major trophy wins since taking charge of the WSL side in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Reading ace Williams, who is working with England Women’s Under-17s as part of an FA Elite Coaching Programme, believes Hayes could blaze a trail for women managers in men’s game. 
And the Royals striker, who has 168 England caps, hopes to see the Blues gaffer one day take charge of the Lionesses.
Williams added: “I would like to see Emma be that driving force for women to take opportunities within the men’s game.
“I certainly think she has the capabilities to do that and I hope an opportunity comes up for her but I just don’t think this AFC Wimbledon one is the one. 
“But for me in the long-term, I would love to see Emma Hayes – after she has achieved things at Chelsea and worked in the men’s game – take the England Women’s job further down the line. 

Hayes and her Chelsea stars are targeting a WSL title and Champions League win this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“That would be something special.” 
Hayes was heavily linked with managing Chelsea’s Prem side following Maurizio Sarri’s departure in 2019.
And the Blues boss has previously worked as a W-League coach in the USA where she managed Long Island Lady Riders, Iona College and Chicago Red Stars. 
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Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More