In May, Chelsea’s US brains trust somehow saw fit to allow Emma Hayes, the most successful manager in the history of English women’s football, to stroll out of the door.
It is only August but already the Americans’ loss is America’s gain. On a sultry afternoon in Paris, the North Londoner led her new charges to Olympics glory, ramming home the point, as if that were needed, in emphatic fashion.
Sixteen trophies in 12 years at Stamford Bridge followed by a gold medal in 12 weeks. Emma Carol Hayes OBE.
At the Parc des Princes, Mallory Swanson’s second-half poke was enough to crown the Americans queens.