Former Arsenal legend Ian Wright caused quite a stir during a recent episode of Stick to Football, when he used his ‘Phone a Friend’ lifeline to reach out to Chelsea Women’s boss, Emma Hayes. The question in question was a tricky one, involving both Hayes and West Ham manager David Moyes and their respective tenures at their clubs.
In the quiz, Wright and fellow football great Roy Keane were presented with the following conundrum: ‘Which managerial tenure was longer for their club: Emma Hayes (when she leaves the club at the end of the 2023-24 season) or David Moyes when he was at Everton?’. Wright chose to contact Hayes for the answer, while Keane humorously suggested reaching out to Joey Barton instead.
When Hayes received the call, she maintained her usual charismatic composure, demonstrating wit even when put on the spot. After briefing her on the question, she confidently explained, ‘If I was to enter into my next season, it’d be my twelfth season’. Wright, clearly satisfied with her response, agreed with Keane that Hayes would indeed have had a longer tenure – and they were correct. Hayes has, in fact, outlasted Moyes with her eleven-year-and-four-month tenure at Chelsea.
This light-hearted episode comes at an interesting time for Hayes, who announced her departure from Chelsea at the end of the season to take on a new role as the US Women’s coach. The move aroused interest from various angles, particularly with the US Women’s team experiencing a managerial vacancy following Vlatko Andonovski’s departure.
The news also uncovered some behind-the-scenes insights into Hayes’ contract negotiations at Chelsea, with sporting director Paul Winstanley tasked with securing a new deal for her. Unfortunately, negotiations hit a standstill, which eventually led to Hayes considering the alternative offer from the US national team.
It is evident that Hayes has left a lasting impression during her time at Chelsea, winning an impressive six Women’s Super League titles and five FA Cups for the club. Her departure marks the end of an illustrious era, leaving a void that Chelsea and its fans will undoubtedly feel.
The lighthearted interaction between Wright and Hayes brought some warmth and laughter to the sometimes tense world of football, and served as a reminder of the genuine relationships and camaraderie that exist within the sport. It also demonstrated the respect and admiration that Wright has for Hayes, as he sought her insight in a moment of uncertainty.
Overall, this charming incident has added a new layer of depth and understanding to the personalities involved, and has also served as a reminder of the human side of the beautiful game. It’s these moments that bring a sense of levity and relatability to the world of football, something we can all appreciate during these times.
