Since it was announced in November that she will leave Chelsea this summer to take over the United States women's national team, Hayes has been dreaming of a perfect send-off.
The 47-year-old does not want her 12 years in charge of Chelsea to be defined by whether they win the Champions League the one trophy to elude her with the Blues - but there is no denying that winning the competition in Bilbao in May would be the ideal farewell present.
Hayes has been reflecting on her hugely successful time at Chelsea since she became the first female recipient of the Football Writers' Association Tribute Award.
She received the honour last Sunday at the Landmark Hotel, not far from where she grew up in Camden.
At her home in Muswell Hill, medals hang from her kitchen light fittings from the six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups she has won with Chelsea.
The Champions League is the one missing, although Hayes points to the fact she has a winners' medal from 2007, when she was assistant to Vic Akers at all-conquering Arsenal.
Her Chelsea side can take a step towards their own European triumph tonight when they play Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
Denne historien er fra January 24, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 24, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.
