We enter the winter break sitting on top of the tree in the Barclays Women’s Super League with a three-point lead having taken 25 points from 30 available with eight wins, one draw and one defeat from our opening 10 league games.

On the European stage, our 3-1 victory over BK Hacken in Gothenburg on Wednesday evening saw us leapfrog the Swedes into top spot in Group D. We hold a slender one-point lead going into our last two group matches against Real Madrid and Paris FC next month. 

A hectic start to the campaign has left little time to dwell but with a pause in play for the winter break, Hayes took time to examine our performances, the integration of new faces and the enjoyment she is getting out of working with this group of players.

It has been an electric start to proceedings for the Blues who have scored 41 goals and conceded 15 so far across domestic and European competition. Hayes is delighted with the contributions of our new signings and has taken satisfaction from seeing goals come from all areas of the pitch.

‘The most pleasing thing is how well the new players have settled,’ Hayes said. ‘They came in and brought a lot of personality to the team. They’ve shown they can all compete from the start and they’ve fitted in really well, which is not always easy for new players. I’ve really enjoyed that part.’

‘The second part is that I’ve loved us going forward. The variety of goal scorers and the different threats we’ve had. I’ve really enjoyed watching that part and as always, I love the interaction with our fans.’

Influencing the group

Assessing the newest additions to our squad, Hayes speaks fondly about what they have brought to the team in terms of their individual personalities. From a footballing perspective, she breaks down the qualities they possess and the value they have added to the team.

‘Sjoeke (Nusken) has come in and plays beyond her years. She has settled into the side and added value as an all-round midfield player. Ashley (Lawrence) is an unbelievable one-v-one defender. Her performance against Real Madrid was exceptional against Linda Caicedo.

‘Cat (Macario) is not quite back yet, but we look forward to seeing her. Hannah (Hampton) has unbelievable talent and is there for our future. Mia (Fishel) has brilliant hold-up play. She links really well with others, she’s a threat around the box, she’s improving all the time and fitting in nicely.’

One of our own

From new signings to one of our own, Hayes pinpoints the impact forward Aggie Beever-Jones is having. The Blues Academy product has been in excellent form since returning from loan spells at Bristol City and Everton, and Hayes feels the loan system has worked wonders for the 20-year-old.

‘It shows that it (the loan system) works. If you’re talented enough and you go and do a couple of years on loan, it might have to be longer for some players, but there is a huge upside to it.

‘It develops them and there is such a big gap between Academy and senior football. It’s been a perfect launch platform for those young players. Aggie has certainly been the first beneficiary of it.’

The Chelsea Way

During an illustrious spell with Chelsea, Hayes and her coaching team have created a winning culture which has taken time to craft. She cannot speak highly enough of the ways in which this group conduct themselves both on and off the pitch.

‘The dressing room takes care of itself. We’ve done a lot of work over the years to put it in that place for them to be able to do that.

‘There are so many top players there. They take responsibility with pride and they are self-accountable. They’re a brilliant bunch.’

Having been named club captain before the start of this season, Millie Bright came in for praise from the manager. The central defender has taken to the role with aplomb and Hayes acknowledged her professionalism, dedication and the positive impact she has on those around her.

‘Millie takes to anything with ease, but behind that is a lot of hard work. She’s put herself in the position she’s in because she’s unbelievably diligent from start to finish with anything she does. She’s quite right in saying she’s been a leader in this team.

‘It’s a natural progression for her and one where she is not only leading by example but she is continuing to have the right influence, particularly on younger players.’