EMMA Hayes is ready for the “next adventure” after giving “everything I’ve got” as the Chelsea manager guided the Blues to a fifth Women’s Premier League title in a row in her last match in charge.
Chelsea went into their final game at Old Trafford knowing they had not only to beat Manchester United but keep an eye on events at Villa Park where Manchester City were also in the hunt to end the Blues’ reign.
The sides were level on points and Chelsea had a better goal difference by two, but the destination of the trophy was never in doubt as the visitors went ahead in the second minute and were 4-0 up at the break.
City were 1-0 up against Aston Villa at half-time and won 2-1, as Chelsea added two more goals against this season’s FA Cup winners.
British record signing Mayra Ramirez scored twice and set up goals for Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Sjoeke Nusken, all before the break.
Melanie Leupolz and Fran Kirby added to the lead in the second half in front of the watching Sir Alex Ferguson.
Hayes will now take over the United States women’s side.
“I can’t say it’s my most enjoyable but it’s definitely been the toughest, without doubt, and for that reason probably the sweetest,” Hayes said.
“I’m just so relieved it’s over.
“The hardest thing to do is five in a row because people take their eye off the ball. My legacy is winning while building a team for the future.”
Hayes, who took over Chelsea in 2012, won seven league titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups and the Community Shield.
“I’d say it’s taken its toll, rather than changed me,” Hayes said. “I categorically cannot carry on. So I am absolutely leaving at the right time. I don’t have another drop to give it.”
Hayes explained what she won’t miss about the game at home.
She said: “I’m British, listen, if I wasn’t a football manager, where I had to do a press conference every three days, I’m that person in the social group that sits in the corner. I’m not someone who is front and centre in my life. I don’t live like that. So I find some of this job really, really hard because I just want a quiet life and that’s what I’m most looking forward to, being out of the British media, being in a situation where I’m only having to do this and games every six to eight weeks.”
Erin Cuthbert played 72 minutes of the final game before being replaced by Kirby.
Chelsea were six points behind City only three games ago, though their rivals had just two left.
“In the moments that really matter we find a way,” Cuthbert said. “We’ve never really backed down from a challenge.
“The fans have been with us from the start, they’ve been incredible this year.
“There have been a few rough moments – this title has taken about ten years off my life, if I’m being deadly honest.
“The hardest one yet, the sweetest one yet, so I’m going to enjoy tonight.”
Kirby, who is leaving the Blues this summer when her contract expires, added: “It was great. We knew coming here that we had to put in a performance.
“The girls blew it away in the first half, they were incredible and everything they did turned into goals.
“It is nice to come into a game like that where you can relax and just express yourself, and just be a part of it.”
