![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/emma-hayes-to-honour-late-father-with-chelsea-promise-ahead-of-wsl-season/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/0_GettyImages-1256881202.jpg&description=The Women's Super League returns to action on Sunday as reigning champions Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said she will honour the legacy of her late father by continuing her success with the Blues in the upcoming Women's Super League season. Hayes has long described her father, Sid, as a monumental cornerstone in her football career and a key component in her drive and determination. On Monday, Hayes announced the tragic passing of her father, 82, on social media and ahead of the new season, the Chelsea manager addressed her loss in her pre-match press conference. 'Of course, it has been a very difficult time for me. A very challenging summer and a little bit longer than that,' she said at Cobham. 'I will say this, I say it on behalf of all my family, if I didn't come to work today then I could hear my dad, I would hear him in me and he would be saying get your backside to work. 'You've got a game to prepare for and a title to defend. It is important we get on with life and I will honour that. I was very, very happy to see the players and come back to start.' Hayes is familiar with the trials of beginning a season in the face of adversity, having been forced to miss a large chunk of the start to last season due to undergoing an emergency hysterectomy. Chelsea are bidding to claim an unprecedented fifth league title on the bounce under Hayes, starting with a London derby as they host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Hayes said she is expecting an "aggressive" Tottenham side under new manager Robert Vilahamn, though Hayes will not have to face former Blues striker Bethany England with the Lioness recovering from shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Hayes will have the returned Fran Kirby at her disposal, a huge boost to the Blues' attacking ranks as they look to kick-start their title defence. Since taking over at Chelsea, Hayes has long advocated for a more sustainable women's league and this season, steps have be){kind=link}
The Women’s Super League returns to action on Sunday as reigning champions Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said she will honour the legacy of her late father by continuing her success with the Blues in the upcoming Women’s Super League season.
Hayes has long described her father, Sid, as a monumental cornerstone in her football career and a key component in her drive and determination.
On Monday, Hayes announced the tragic passing of her father, 82, on social media and ahead of the new season, the Chelsea manager addressed her loss in her pre-match press conference.
“Of course, it has been a very difficult time for me. A very challenging summer and a little bit longer than that,” she said at Cobham.