Chelsea are struggling on the pitch and Emma Hayes is losing her cool… but even if she doesn’t get the perfect send-off, her legacy is secure, writes KATHRYN BATTE

Emma Hayes has been the unofficial spokesperson for women’s football in this country for the past decade.

She did not ask to be put in that position, but she has borne the burden without complaint. For the most part, it has come with accolades and accolades after years of success on the field.

She probably knew there would come a time when she would have to weather a storm. The past month has brought scrutiny of a kind she hasn’t faced before.

Chelsea have seen two trophies slip from their grasp in their last two matches. First there was defeat in the League Cup final to Arsenal. It was a close game where one clinical moment was the difference. Chelsea could have moved on from that disappointment quickly had it not been for what happened afterwards.

To make what is now a very familiar story short: Hayes shoved Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, then accused him of displaying ‘male aggression’ on the touchline. She received a lot of criticism, but the international break gave her two weeks to let the dust settle.

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She would always be asked about the incident when Chelsea returned to action, and instead of apologizing, which would have ended the matter, she recited a Robert Frost poem.

It is not uncommon for Hayes to come up with unusual answers at press conferences. Over the years we’ve had cat noises, goose analogies and Star Wars references. The poem was different because it was used to divert from a negative situation that Hayes is not used to.

Had Chelsea beaten Manchester United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday, the narrative would have changed. Their defeat has only increased the scrutiny.

The last two games, combined with Hayes’ recent comments about player-to-player relationships being ‘inappropriate’, which she later retracted and apologized for, have painted a picture that she is somehow about to lose weight that she is in danger of damaging her legacy.

It is easy in football to be reactive. Yes, it’s been a bad month for Hayes. Yes, she has done and said things that she might not have done in the past. But this is a woman who was paid £12,000 a year when she first took over at Chelsea. A woman who has taken a club from mediocrity to excellence. A bad month doesn’t change that.

Being on top can be draining. Hayes has spoken this season about the loneliness of management and how she has felt exhausted at times. In response to a question about what success would look like this season, she replied: ‘Get out alive.’

The suggestion, Hayes is beginning to believe that her own publicity is broad. Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola would not be accused of that deficiency.

However, there are comparisons between Hayes and Klopp. Both announced they would be leaving their clubs midway through the season.

Some argued that having the news out in the open was beneficial, that it would stop speculation. But in either case, the players may feel extra pressure from the need to deliver a fitting exit for their long-serving managers.

Like Hayes, Klopp has had moments where he has lost his composure. The clip of him snapping at a Norwegian journalist after Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United is a fine example.

Perhaps their impending departure has meant that Hayes and Klopp have felt less need to hold on again. The difference for Hayes is that, unlike Klopp, she is going straight into another job – and the biggest one in the world.

But write her off at your own peril.

Chelsea still have two trophies on offer – the WSL and the Champions League. They are the most difficult to win, with Manchester City proving to be serious title contenders, while Barcelona await in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

This is a crucial week with Chelsea playing their game in hand against Aston Villa on Wednesday before the first of their two games with Barca on Saturday.

But Hayes isn’t going down without a fight.

Newcastle Women continue their progress

A record 7,382 fans were at Kingston Park on Sunday to see Newcastle win promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history.

It is the biggest attendance at the stadium for any sport this season and higher than any crowd ever drawn by Premiership Rugby Union team Newcastle Falcons.

The club has been conspicuous by their absence at the top of women’s football. The women’s team first became affiliated with the men’s club in 2022, but have enjoyed rapid success under manager Becky Langley.

Amanda Staveley, the club’s co-owner, was there to witness their 10-0 win over Huddersfield Town and was in tears on the pitch during the celebrations.

Newcastle turned their women’s team professional this summer and are now just one promotion away from the WSL.

Their rapid progress signals the importance of investment in the women’s game. However, more focus will be placed on where that money comes from as the club continues to rise.

Grace Clinton is ineligible to play for Spurs at Wembley

Spare a thought for Grace Clinton who, after playing a huge part in helping Tottenham reach their first ever FA Cup final, will now be unable to play at Wembley. The midfielder is on loan from Manchester United and will not be able to face his former club.

Clinton has had a fantastic season and it is no surprise that Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn wants to sign her permanently.

Vilahamn also deserves great praise for the work he has done this season.

There have been comparisons between himself and Ange Postecoglou, but it could be Vilahamn who delivers Tottenham’s first trophy in 16 years.