After an excellent performance and victory away to Aston Villa last weekend, it was announced that Hayes will depart the club at the end of the season - a place she has called home for the past 12 years and helped orchestrate the success we have enjoyed during her tenure.

The manager addressed the media at Cobham on Friday afternoon ahead of our visit to Everton on Sunday, where we will be looking to maintain our position at the top of the league table with domestic and UEFA Women’s Champions League fixtures coming thick and fast this month.

Speaking about her time at the club, Hayes emphasised she has loved every minute. There is consideration for the demands of the game and the pressure it places on life’s treasures such as family, but a desire to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.

‘I’ve been in the post for 12 years and I’ve dedicated my life to this place,' she said.

'I drive four hours every day, six days a week, for 12 years. I’ve got a five-year-old who needs more of his mummy, that is for sure. Family matters. I’ve dedicated as much as I can to this football club and I’ve loved every minute of it.

I think it’s really important that, if possible, let’s create a succession plan for me, much like Paul (Green) and I do for the players. So the time is right and I will work with the club in the succession plan and do everything I can do make sure there is as good a transition as possible so my successor can have the same success that I have had.’

With plenty of football to be played in the coming months, Hayes is adamant the players and staff are wholly focused on performance and results. She paid tribute to the players and our supporters while speaking fondly of the connection she feels to them.

'I want to make sure I maintain my own professionalism and everything I do. I have a team to focus on, games to win, and I don’t think anything will come between me and the players, me and the fans. I understand Chelsea. I know Chelsea. This is my club and always will be my club.

‘While I am sad on many, many levels, I’ve always said to the fans there will come the moment I am sat with them in the crowd and I look forward to that come the end of the season. For now, the focus is, as always, on the game.

'I am not lying. We had the most unbelievable training session today, top level from everyone. The players are committed with me to make sure we ensure our position.’

With humility and pride, Hayes discussed the importance of the people she has worked with during her time at Chelsea. It has been a team effort to create a culture that not only drives collective success but also helps individuals to reach their full potential.

‘I come to work every day with a group of people, some of them I’ve worked for the entire time, not just players and staff, and what we have created down in that building is magical and something I know every player appreciates being a part of.

‘As far as I’m concerned, the people I’ve worked with in that period have made me feel the best coach I can feel, and that’s not always easy when you drop players or they are not playing week in, week out.

'So I leave at the end of the season knowing I’ve given everything and done everything.’