The Emma Hayes I know: Tactically sharp and a people person – no wonder her World Cup analysis has shone

I was 18 when I moved from the comfort of my local club Birmingham City to sign for Arsenal. It was a real challenge for me; I was very quiet and shy, I’d left home for the first time and had joined the biggest women’s football team in the country. The person who always looked out for me back then was Emma Hayes. Emma, now the United States women’s national team head coach, was Arsenal’s assistant. As an assistant coach, your job is often to be an arm around the shoulder for players. Whether thi