Hayes hopes more female coaches make their mark in the women’s game’s top tiers

EMMA HAYES hopes to see more female managers at the highest levels of women’s football.

And the Blues chief, who is four months away from marking ten years in charge of Chelsea, is relishing the challenge of Tottenham attempting to break into the WSL’s top three.

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Hayes’s side, who are a point ahead of Arsenal at the summit, travel to Spurs for the first time this season.

The duel comes nine days on from Rehanne Skinner signing a new deal to stay as Tottenham’s head coach after impressing club chairman Daniel Levy.

It also follows Brighton boss Hope Powell marking her 100^th game in charge of Albion.

This week Skinner, 42, reflected on Hayes’ work in transforming Chelsea into one of Europe’s most feared sides after they survived a relegation battle in 2013.

Back then Hayes was one of just two female gaffers in an eight-team Women’s Super League.

This contrasts with the fifty-fifty split of men and women coaches in the division today.

Hayes, 45, said: “I’m proud we’ve got a number of coaches across the board – including Rehanne – who will take on the mantle and take the sport to a whole new level.

“It’s great for women in the game that top athletes can be exposed to more female coaches because traditionally they haven’t.

“And that’s not to exclude male coaches.

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“Traditionally, the vast majority of girls and women want to be coached by men because that’s all they know. 

“Exposing players to more female coaches creates more opportunities for more female managers.

“I’d love to be in a position where that goes even further because this is a tough business.

“It’s been tough for women to get into in our country.

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Chelsea’s trip to The Hive comes three days after Skinner spoke of Tottenham’s ambition to one day qualify for the Champions League.

It is an ambition that would see Spurs challenge Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal for the WSL’s top three spots

The clubs have dominated the top three positions in the league for the past seven seasons.

Hayes added: “It’s what the league needs. It’s great to hear other coaches talk about creating the right strategies to get there.”

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This afternoon’s duel between Tottenham and the Blues is the first of two clashes between the sides to be played in the space of four days

And Spurs are yet to win a London derby fixture with the team having lost their three previous top-flight games against the titleholders.

Skinner said: “We want to make sure that we go into the game in the best possible position as we can and give it our all.”