18 May 2024 , 17:43
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Those who doubted Emma Hayes could pull an historic fifth successive Women's Super League title out of the proverbial hat were "foolish", according to Aston Villa boss Carla Ward.
Ward's side hosted title chasing Manchester City on the final day of the WSL season, while the US-bound Hayes travelled to Old Trafford to face the new reigning FA Cup champions Manchester United.
City were in need of victory and a three-goal swing against Villa, while a favour from United would also do well to help their Mancunian rivals. Instead, Mayra Ramirez opened the scoring for Chelsea with two minutes gone and what followed was an exercise in execution as the Blues ravaged United 6-0 in the end.
City, meanwhile, struggled against an inspired Villa, who were also saying goodbye to their manager in Ward. Mary Fowler produced a sublime finish to fire City into a lead but goalkeeper Anna Leat produced a series of stunning saves, while Laura Blinkindle Brown rattled the crossbar. Rachel Daly levelled the score with just over 20 minutes to go but Lauren Hemp was on hand to supply the winner for City, though it was scant consolation with the title race lost.
And Ward admitted that going into Saturday's clash, she had no doubt that Hayes would produce her usual magic.
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"She’s a legend," Ward said. "Anyone that doubted whether Emma would get the job done is foolish because she’s a mentality monster.
“She’s been there and she’s done it. Being really honest, I went round the table this morning and asked a lot of the staff, City or Chelsea. I was the only person in the room that said Chelsea. Because she [Emma] is a mentality monster. They’ve taken it to the wire because they’re two incredible teams. But Chelsea have been there and done it, last game. For me, there was no doubt.”
Hayes and Ward have been long-time friends, with both managers citing the harsh demands on their family lives as reasons for stepping away from club management. And while the pair respected their friendship pre-match, after the verdict was decided, Ward swiftly sent Hayes a message of congratulations.
Emma Hayes and Carla Ward play with Ward's daughter Hartley (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)"Everyday," Ward said when asked how often the pair speak. "We’ve had lots of conversations. She definitely didn’t ask me what we were going to do today, she’s very respectful. You do what you do, we’ll do what we do.
“I sent her a message straight after the game, which I won’t repeat what it said because there’s a few swear words in there. A well done, basically. What she’s done for the women’s game cannot be understated. What she’s done for me has been something I’ll never forget.
“She has helped me no end through good times and bad times. I’ve had some tough times this year and she’s been there through every step. The women’s game [here] is a far worse place without her. But, she’s certainly created a place where the next generation can pick it up and run with it.”
Carla Ward during the 2-1 loss to Manchester City (2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)With Hayes departing for the USA to take on the USWNT head coach role, Ward said she will take time away from the managerial spotlight for some much needed holiday time. Asked whether she will be returning, Ward was convicted: "100%, I'll be back. Everyone keeps saying to give it a few months and you’ll be back in management.
“Definitely not a couple of months, maybe six. I joked about it then with Fara [Williams] and Alex [Scott], sacking season, we all know when that is. You never know, I might be back then. We’ll see. For now, I need a holiday and a break. The summer holidays is all about me and my daughter because she keeps asking when we’re going to do something and when she’s going to see me.
“I told her the other day she’ll see me a lot more now. But yeah, I’ll be back for sure. You never know, if the next manager doesn’t do well and they’re sacked at Christmas, I might be back here at Christmas!”