After months of speculation, Chelsea Football Club have officially announced that former Lyon manager, Sonia Bompastor, will be the successor of Emma Hayes after signing a four year contract with the West London club.

With a well-capped playing career under her belt, Bompastor made 156 appearances for the French national team before making the switch into coaching upon the event of her retirement.

Since signing with Lyon, Bompastor has gone on to win three consecutive league titles in Division 1 Feminine. During her inaugural full season in charge of the French Giants, Bompastor also went on to manage Lyon to glory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Speaking to the club, Bompastor expressed her delight in signing with the West London side when saying ‘I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea Football Club as the head coach of the women’s team. It is an institution in English football. I will give my all to this new project to meet the ambitions of the club, the staff and the players.

‘I hope to live up to Emma’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.’

As Chelsea prepare for the turn of the season, Bompastor will officially take the reigns over her new side on July 1st.