The long-awaited return of domestic football is almost over as we begin the defence of our title with a London derby at Stamford Bridge – and it is the third time in our history we have faced Tottenham at the stadium in the WSL.

Earlier today, Bright was confirmed as our new captain as she approaches nine years in blue. Hayes spoke about the qualities our skipper possesses as a player and as a person, and described the love and respect she feels for one of our longest-serving players.

‘First of all, it’s of no surprise because I know how diligent she is off the pitch. Her attention to detail on all the tasks that matter. To come back from an injury to prepare herself for her country was never in doubt. Millie copes in every circumstance and not just when you are doing well. She’ll do it in a crisis, she’ll do it when her back is against the wall.

‘She is an extraordinary human and I love her to bits. I’ve got so much love and respect for her because of how much she has sacrificed for this club and for her country. I’m honoured that she will be our club captain.’

Our opponents this weekend have experienced a transition during the close season, spearheaded by a change of manager in the shape of Robert Vilahamn. And Hayes expects to face an aggressive Tottenham team on Sunday.

‘From recruiting players in Sweden I’ve had the chance to see his teams play. I’m aware of the way his teams play but they’ve only played a few games and mainly behind closed doors, so we have limited information.

'I expect to see an aggressive Tottenham come out at Stamford Bridge whether that’s in the initial press or whether it’s from a mid-block situation.

‘They will be aggressive, compact and difficult to break down. They haven’t conceded many goals during the pre-season period and I’m sure with time when he gets players into that, only time will tell what that team will look like.’

With a minimum of seven games to be played at Stamford Bridge this season, Hayes spoke honestly about the work being done to make sure that the value on the pitch is reflected off the field and is passionate about achieving equality of access.

‘Ticket prices across the board have had to rise. Our average price has moved from £7 upwards and we respect it’s a jump to the fans. We have world-class players on show and we have to value that.

'We don’t need to make ticketing ridiculous, but paying £12 to watch an unbelievable team at Stamford Bridge on Sunday for me is affordable.

‘If those who might have more money want to spend a little bit more on tickets then so be it, much as you do for a theatre ticket or a nice cushy cinema seat. We have to respect that nothing is going to be just given.

'If we are asking for equality of access, which is what I am, the challenge is to make sure it’s viable. We’ve got a lot of work to do not just at Chelsea but across the board.’

Hayes called for improvements across the women’s football pyramid and explained that the journey towards sustainability will be a learning process.

‘I hope we get a good broadcasting deal at the end of the year because that’s important for the growth of the game. I hope we get even more prize money so we can trickle down to the rest. I hope commercially and marketing wise we stay in big stadiums, but we all have to accept it costs money if we want to be there.

‘It’s not a charity, it’s a business. We have to be in a position where maybe there will be bits of trial and error to get that right. I know that for us a football club we’re learning about how to keep improving that. We need to keep pushing to make those things happen.’