Her name has been in the media this week following the announcement that Phil Neville is due to step down from his role as England Women head coach when his contract expires in July 2021. Hayes, who has been linked to the job in the press, has confirmed she is ‘extremely happy’ as the Chelsea Women manager.

Since being appointed in August 2012, Hayes has brought trophy success to the Blues having led us to the domestic Double in 2015 and 2018, the 2017 Spring Series title and most recently, the Continental League Cup in February.

Her squad are in strong contention to top the Women’s Super League table this season, currently sitting one point behind Manchester City with one game in hand. The Chelsea boss has made it clear she has ambitions of winning the Champions League, a competition that we have reached the semi-final of on two occasions.

‘I still have half-a-season to go and a full season next season to contemplate, where hopefully we'll qualify for Europe,’ Hayes said.

‘It's been no secret that I have real big ambitions to win the Champions League and I think we have built a team that is capable of that. We have a few more pieces to add to finish the side off.

‘I love the day-to-day coaching. I've loved every minute working at Chelsea and I look forward to building on the work I've done so far.

‘Of course it's an honour to be linked with the national team job. As an older person I'm probably more considered for entering into international football at some stage but right now, I'm extremely happy at Chelsea.’

Euros moved

On Thursday UEFA confirmed the Women's EURO 2021 in England will be postponed until July 2022 because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The postponement of the tournament, which is due to have a handful of Chelsea players featuring, was widely expected following the decision to move the Tokyo Olympics to July 2021.

UEFA has already postponed the men's Euro 2020 until the summer of 2021 and president Aleksander Ceferin says moving the women's tournament gives it ‘the spotlight it deserves’.

In a statement Ceferin added: ‘We have carefully considered all options, with our commitment to the growth of women's football at the forefront of our thinking. By moving UEFA Women's Euro to the following year, we are ensuring that our flagship women's competition will be the only major football tournament of the summer, providing it with the spotlight it deserves.’

Raising for Refuge

Chelsea has linked up with domestic abuse charity Refuge to raise awareness and valuable funds to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse during the current coronavirus pandemic.

The club will match all donations received within the six-week period and Hayes has spoken highly about Chelsea’s ongoing support to Refuge at this difficult time.

‘I’m proud of Chelsea,’ Hayes said. ‘I think about all the people, not just women, who are suffering at home with their children unable to escape and not feeling like there is a way out.

‘I think it’s crucial that we remind each other that there are sufferings even during this lockdown. I think it’s important that we keep that thought at the front of people’s minds when it’s all too easy to forget.’

To donate to the campaign please click donate.refuge.org.uk/Chelsea