Emma Hayes with staff, including elite squad coach TJ O’Leary (fourth from left), who is also a coach at Kentish Town FC. Picture: the FA via getty images

Published: 8 October, 2015

EMMA Hayes says that Chelsea Ladies are “on another level” after seeing them crowned Women’s Super League champions for the first time on Sunday. 

The former Parliament Hill School pupil watched in delight as the Blues blew away the Black Cats of Sunderland 4-0 to complete a remarkable league and FA Cup double.

After the game the Camden-born coach reflected on the contrasting final-day emotions compared with last season’s heartache of missing out on the title on goal-difference. 

“Right now I honestly can’t remember the feeling of 12 months ago,” Hayes said. 

“It has been a long year waiting for this day but we vowed never to go through that experience again. I’ve always said to the players that if you do it once, then it’s a mistake. But if you do it twice then it’s a choice, and that’s the motto we’ve lived by throughout the season.” 

Chelsea came out on top in practically every vital stat – including most wins, joint-fewest defeats, most goals scored, fewest goals conceded and, most importantly, most league points. Reflecting on an unbelievable campaign, Hayes added: “Since the cup final we’ve had the confidence of being a winning team, which breeds a different kind of mentality. We’ve gone up to another level, especially in training.”