WOMEN'S WEEKLY
With the Chelsea Ladies taking on Birmingham City at Wheatsheaf Park this evening, new manager Emma Hayes is preparing to take charge of the team for the first time on home soil.
The new manager's rein got off to the best possible start when she oversaw a 1-0 away win at Doncaster just over a week ago, and while she is determined to finish the season strongly, Hayes admits she is planning for the long-term.
'I'm delighted to be at the club,' she tells the official Chelsea website. 'It's an exciting project here and that's what attracted me to the role.
'There is absolutely no reason why Chelsea shouldn't be at the top of the women's game challenging for the major honours.
'I'm really pleased with the group of players I've taken on. It was great to start with a win against Doncaster and hopefully we can build from here on in.'
There is no doubt that Hayes's CV is an impressive one. Having worked at Arsenal, the most successful ladies team in the country, as both an assistant first team coach and academy director, as well as various spells in the US, it appears as though the Blues are in safe hands.
The new boss has been impressed by what she's seen since taking over the role, but believes there is a lot more still to come.
'I've worked at Arsenal as academy director and I've also had spells in the US, so I've picked up various methods of working which I'll be looking to implement during my time at Chelsea,' she says.
'Arsenal are probably the benchmark in women's football, but it's important to remember that, although winning games and winning trophies is important, there is a lot that can be done away from the field of play as well to help make an impact.'
Her cause, and that of the squad as a whole, has been helped in no small part by the acquisition of Spanish striker Adriana Martin [pictured], who arrived at the club a few weeks ago following a spell in America, and Hayes is delighted to have secured her signature.
'She really is a top-class player who is proven at the highest level,' explained Hayes. 'She's performed on the international stage and in the US, and hopefully she will bring out the best in the players around her.
'She's capable of scoring goals from all over the pitch, not just in and around the penalty area, so I'm absolutely delighted to have her here.'
Chelsea take on Birmingham City tonight at Staines Town FC, kick-off 7.30pm.