Emma Hayes is standing to become chair of the League Managers Association in what would be a historic move for the organisation.
The Chelsea manager faces competition from fellow female trailblazer Hope Powell, with the former England coach also on the ballot paper, along with ex-Premier League bosses Martin O’Neill and Alan Pardew.
The election has been triggered by the resignation as LMA chair of Howard Wilkinson, who announced his intention to stand down after 34 years in the role earlier this month.
Port Vale manager Darren Moore and newly appointed Birmingham interim boss are also standing, as are former EFL managers Graham Westley and Chris Turner. All 680 LMA members – current and former managers and coaches – are entitled to vote ahead of deadline of 17 April.
In addition to making history as a female chair Hayes would also become the first senior figure to be based abroad if elected. The 54-year-old is leaving Chelsea at the end of the season to become head coach of the United States national team ahead of this summer’s Olympics. In addition to her record haul of six Women’s Super League titles and five FA Cups, Hayes is also a five-time winner of the LMA’s manager of the year award.
Emma Hayes is in the running for LMA chair and will make history if she is elected to the role
The LMA has been transformed into a highly effective lobbying group and welfare and education provider under the leadership of chief executive Richard Bevan over the last two decades, with support from Wilkinson and the rest of the Board.
The LMA meet regularly with the Premier League, EFL and PGMOL and are consulted over the major issues facing the game.
England manager Gareth Southgate serves as the organisation’s president, although that is a largely ceremonial role.
