Chelsea Ladies manager Emma Hayes awarded MBE

Chelsea Ladies manager Emma Hayes has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's 90th Birthday Honours.

Hayes, who led the Blues to the Women's Super League and Women's FA Cup Double in 2015, receives the accolade for services to football, but revealed the news came as a shock.

"It came as a great surprise to receive an MBE and it is a true honour for me and my family," Hayes told the club website.

"I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me throughout my career as without their support I would not have achieved the success I have to date and I would not be receiving accolades like this.

"In particular I would like to thank my mum and dad and my entire family as they have supported me through thick and thin and have made this achievement possible."

The 39-year-old became Chelsea manager in June 2012, helping the Ladies team make history with their first major silverware and appearances in the Women's Champions League.

Hayes has spent time in the American W-League, where in 2001 she became the youngest ever head coach, and was the assistant coach at Arsenal in a period where the Gunners picked up 11 trophies in just three seasons.

Chelsea are currently second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Manchester City and Blues chairman Bruce Buck extended the club's congratulations to Hayes.

"On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club, I would like to congratulate Emma on this fantastic honour," said Buck. 

"It is richly deserved and testament to many years of hard work and dedication. Emma is a pioneer for the Ladies' game and a superb role model.

"We are very proud of her achievements with us over the past four years and long may it continue.'