Hayes, who led the Blues to the WSL and Women’s FA Cup Double in 2015, receives the accolade for services to football.

Hayes said: ‘It came as a great surprise to receive an MBE and it is a true honour for me and my family.

‘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.’

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck added: ‘On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club, I would like to congratulate Emma on this fantastic honour. 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.’

The 39-year-old Londoner became Chelsea manager in June 2012, helping the Ladies team make history with its first major silverware and appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, but her career in coaching dates back much further.

In 2001 she became the youngest head coach in the American W-League’s history, being awarded the National Coach of the Year prize a year later. Returning to England in 2006, Hayes became assistant first-team coach at Arsenal Ladies, lifting 11 major trophies in three trophy-laden seasons.

Two more years in America followed where she worked with some of the biggest names in the female game, and since becoming Chelsea manager four years ago she has helped assemble a squad capable of competing with the best teams in Europe.