The awards come as recognition of their individual outstanding contributions to the women’s professional game, and the decision was made by a panel featuring former players, coaches, officials, journalists and key figures.

This year's WSL Hall of Fame alumni were handed the chance to join the panel and cast their votes, with ex-Blues Anita Asante, Katie Chapman and Emma Hayes involved alongside former referee Rebecca Welch and Steph Houghton, Rachel Yankey, Jill Scott and Alex Scott.

Beard’s reign at Chelsea began in 2009, and he made history when taking charge of our first WSL fixture in 2011. The popular coach helped shape Chelsea Women during his three years in charge (2009 to 2012) and laid many foundations before Emma Hayes' arrival. He also guided the Blues to our first Women's FA Cup final in 2012.

Spells at Liverpool and West Ham United followed, and he went on to win two league titles whilst on Merseyside in 2013 and 2014, and led the Hammers to the 2019 Women’s FA Cup Final.

It was back in 2007 when Stoney rejoined the Blues following a spell as a youth product between 1994 and 1998. After a short stint as player-manager in that second term, she worked closely under Beard during those early days until leaving for Lincoln Ladies in 2010.

After hanging up her boots in 2018, Stoney would go on to become the first coach of Manchester United's women's team, and is now in charge of the Canada Women's National Team, where she can now name Chelsea's Kadeisha Buchanan on her roster.

The former Chelsea duo will be officially inducted during next month's WSL awards.