Chelsea Manager Emma Hayes Pays Brian Clough Tribute After Continental Cup Win at Nottingham Forest

?Chelsea women’s manager Emma Hayes has gushed about her love for iconic English football manager Brian Clough, after lifting the Continental Cup at the club where he enjoyed a glittering 18 years. 

Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 on Saturday to claim the first piece of silverware of the season courtesy of a ?Beth England brace.

The final was staged at the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest, where Clough won 11 major trophies between 1975 and 1983 – including successive European Cups in 1979 and 1980.

Hayes has made no secret of her love for the former Hartlepool, Derby, Brighton, Leeds and Forest boss, and revealed the extent of her admiration at full time.

As quoted by ?Ameé Ruszkai, Hayes said: “Going to Wembley is always going to be a highlight, but I loved this man. He is my cup of tea. 

“I’d have loved to have had a cup of tea with him, walk the dog with him and have a football chat with him.

Hayes donned a green jacket in the final in tribute to her idol – a homage to Clough’s iconic green jumper – and confessed that she was was a bit of a fangirl while at the home of some of his most famous triumphs.

“I sensed it when I came in the building. The players haven’t got a clue who he is and I’m busy taking photographs of myself with his photographs on the wall. 

“My sister sent me lists of quotes this morning, my favourite one being this one. She sent me it twice so clearly she wanted me to read it out: ‘I wouldn’t say I’m the best manager in the business but I was in the top one.'”

“Well, I’m there today. I’ll take that today.”

?Chelsea‘s triumph on Saturday was their maiden Continental Cup title, and means the treble is still in sight this season.

The Blues are in the driving seat in the WSL following their ?draw with Manchester City, and travel to Everton for the FA Cup quarter-finals after the international break.

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