EMMA HAYES said today she feels 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 Britain.