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Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes undergoes emergency hysterectomy surgery while battling endometriosis – with Blues boss temporarily stepping down from role to focus on recovery
- Emma Hayes has had a detailed hysterectomy surgery she had last week
- She will temporarily relinquish her role as Chelsea Women’s manager
- Hayes is battling endometriosis and has said she should put her health first
- Denise Reddy and Paul Green take charge of the team in her absence
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Emma Hayes will be one step away from managing Chelsea Women as she recovers from emergency hysterectomy surgery.
In a statement released Thursday, Hayes revealed that she underwent surgery last week as part of her ongoing battle with endometriosis.
Hayes ‘needs time and patience’ in her recovery and she has confirmed that Denise Reddy will make decisions on the pitch during her absence, assisted by Paul Green.
“I am now recovering and will need time and patience to get back to full health,” her statement read.
“I would also like to thank my wonderful doctors, Dr Alex Laurence and Dr Sally Harris, for their outstanding care.
“A huge thank you to our owners, the board and our HR director, Jo Stone, for the support they have shown and of course to all my family, staff and players.”
Endometriosis is a long-term condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other places, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
“I know you will respect that my health comes first and right now I have to prioritize what I have to do for me,” she added. “I expect to make a full recovery and look forward to seeing you in the near future.”
Emma Hayes temporarily steps down from her role as Chelsea Women’s manager after emergency hysterectomy surgery as part of her battle with endometriosis
Denise Reddy (far right) and Paul Green (far left) take charge of the team in the absence of Hayes
The 45-year-old has enjoyed ten years of success in south-west London after taking charge of Chelsea in 2012.
She is a five-time winner of the Women’s Super League Manager of the Year.
Chelsea are currently fourth in the WSL after three games, with two wins so far against Manchester City and West Ham.
Losing Hayes from the sidelines comes as a seismic blow, but she is confident the quality of the squad will keep the season on track for success.
“The team is very special,” she continued, “and we have no doubt that they will do everything they can to maintain their high standard.
“You’ve had to hear me roar every week from across the field, but now I want to hear you even louder because I’m sitting at home watching the team until I get back.”
Reddy, 52, is a trusted sidekick to Hayes and has been part of her set-up at Chelsea since the 2020-21 season.
Before that, the American worked as Hayes’ assistant with National Women’s Soccer League side Chicago Red Stars from 2008 to 2010.
Green has been part of the furniture at Chelsea since 2013 after joining Doncaster Rovers Belles from fellow WSL side.
Hayes gave Chelsea a decade of success, but now puts her health first