Hayes delighted to turn dreams into reality as new USA boss

Emma Hayes admits she has dreamed of managing the United States women's team for a long time after being officially announced as their new head coach.

Hayes is the permanent successor to Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned after the USA's last-16 exit to Sweden at the World Cup.

She will leave Women's Super League side Chelsea at the end of the season and current USA interim boss Twila Kilgore will join her as part of the coaching staff.

Hayes, 47, said: "This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history.

"The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I've dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true.

"I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels.

"To get there, it will require dedication, devotion and collaboration from the players, staff and everyone at the US Soccer Federation."

Hayes has previous experience managing in the US. Before joining Chelsea in 2012, she coached Chicago Red Stars between 2008 and 2010.

She has already won 13 major honours with the Blues — including six WSL titles — and will be targeting more silverware before she departs West London.

Issuing a warm welcome, US Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said: "Emma is a fantastic leader and world-class coach who sets high standards for herself and for everyone around her.

"She has tremendous energy and an insatiable will to win.

"Her experience in the USA, her understanding of our soccer landscape and her appreciation of what it means to coach this team makes her a natural fit for this role and we could not be more pleased to have her leading our women’s national team forward."

Hayes will have four matches in charge of her new side before the Olympics in Paris next summer.

She will be tasked with delivering instant success as the USA look to claim gold in women's football for the first time since 2012.