Emma Hayes feels female coaches do not get as many chances as male counterparts

Emma Hayes is convinced female coaches are regularly afforded a shorter rope than their male counterparts.

The United States women’s national team boss enjoyed a 12-season stint at Chelsea, but her longevity remains an anomaly in a league where homegrown female bosses are an endangered species.

While the WSL is densely populated with top English players, just two English women are in charge of top-flight sides this season after all four summer vacancies were filled by candidates from outside the United Kingdom.

Hayes told the PA news agency: “I don’t actually think it’s just for the UK. I think what happens is, when a woman coaches at the highest level, and they’re let go, I don’t think we get as many chances as male coaches, for whatever reason.

“So if there is a dropout, it’s probably because those opportunities aren’t happening, and also it’s a really tough job to do.

“You might not get paid a lot of money, you might have childcare to manage, there’s a lot more that goes into it, being a woman, that’s never actually factored in.”

Laura Kaminski will make her top-flight coaching debut when she leads out newly-promoted Crystal Palace against Tottenham, formerly employers to West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner – the only other Englishwoman in charge of a WSL side.

This season is the first the WSL and Championship will operate under their own independent company, Women’s Professional Leagues Ltd.

Asked about plans to develop more English coaching talent, WPLL CEO Nikki Doucet said: “I think our teams will want the best managers, period. The question is, can the best managers also be local?

Laura Kaminski on @BarclaysWSL preparations, team news & season targets