Blues chief says OBE for Chelsea’s success on the pitch came as a ‘huge shock’
Emma Hayes described her journey with Chelsea as an ‘unbelievable ride’ after being awarded an OBE for her services to football. The Kingsmeadow boss was among a number of sports figures included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. The gong for the Blues manager comes five years on from her being made an MBE. […]
Emma Hayes described her journey with Chelsea as an ‘unbelievable ride’ after being awarded an OBE for her services to football.
The Kingsmeadow boss was among a number of sports figures included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
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The gong for the Blues manager comes five years on from her being made an MBE.
And it caps a trophy-winning year for Hayes whose team sealed a domestic treble in December after their 3-0 triumph over Arsenal in the delayed Women’s FA Cup final.
The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “It was a huge shock to hear I had been awarded an OBE.
“It’s been an unbelievable ride so far, transforming from an amateur outfit to one of the top five clubs in Europe and I hope we’ve helped to pave the way for future generations to come.
“I couldn’t have done it without the support, and I will be forever grateful to each and every one of them.
“It’s an unbelievable honour for me and my family and a privilege I take very seriously.
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“I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me across my career.
“I am fortunate and extremely lucky to have represented a fantastic football club and an amazing group of people over these past ten years.”
Hayes’ OBE came in a year that saw Chelsea claim their fourth WSL crown and a second Conti Cup in addition to their third FA Cup.
And the club reached their first-ever Champions League final before being beaten by 4-0 Catalan giants Barcelona.
The Blues also went on a 33-game unbeaten run in the WSL breaking the previous record set by Manchester City in 2017 of 32 matches without a loss.
Their run, which was ended by a home loss to Brighton, saw Hayes named as Barclays WSL Manager of the Season in May.
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And this came two months before the Camden-born coach, who took charge of Chelsea in 2012, signed a new deal to extend her reign.
Other football figures honoured include Sheila Parker who skippered England Women’s team in their official match in 1972.
The former Preston centre-back, 74, who led the team to a 3-2 win against Scotland that year, has been made an MBE for her services to football and charities.
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