AFC Wimbledon shortlist Chelsea boss Emma Hayes as first senior woman manager
A report by Express states that AFC Wimbledon have been linked with appointing Chelsea women’s boss Emma Hayes as the first female manager of an English football club’s men’s senior team.
Hayes is currently managing the Blues’ women’s team in the Women’s Super League, where they are thoroughly dominant. They are at the top of the table and are yet to be beaten this season.
Moreover, their 4-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend extended their unbeaten run to 33. Hayes has also been among the trophies since her appointment as Chelsea boss back in 2012.
She has since won the League and Women’s FA Cup double twice. Hayes also led the club to the title and League Cup last year. She is, however, not the only candidate for the sacked Glyn Hodges’ managerial helm.
A potential trailblazer
Ian Holloway, Sol Campbell, Joey Barton, Morecambe manager Derek Adams, Neil Harris, and Luke Garrard are also in contention to be the Dons’ new boss. (h/t Express)
If appointed, the 44-year-old Hayes would be the first woman manager of a professional men’s senior team in British football. Mary Phillip is currently the manager of Peckham Town in the 11th tier of English football.
Before her, Shelly Kerr managed Stirling University in Scotland’s Lowland League for 3 years. Apart from that, English football is yet to see a female manager manage a professional football club.
AFC Wimbledon are currently managed by temporary manager Mark Robinson, who is also a candidate for the job. Who Dons choose as their manager remains to be seen.
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But it would be a historic step in the right direction if Hayes manages to land the job. Her preference is unknown as of now, and she has also been linked with the England national team.
