The only female coach in the Women's Super League has declared her desire to work in men's football.

Emma Hayes led her Chelsea side to the runners up spot this season, losing out only on goal difference to champions Liverpool on the final day.

Former Arsenal manager Shelley Kerr is now coaching the men's team at Stirling University, showing there is now a route into the male game.

"All coaches aspire to be at the best level they can get to, and I'm no different," Hayes admitted.

"If it happened for me that the next opportunity was in the men's game, then I'd welcome that.

"But I also think there needs to be more female coaches at the top end of the women's game before more are entering into the men's game."

Hope Powell led England's women for 15 years. Credit: PA

A UEFA A license is needed in order to manage in the WSL, with Hayes of the belief that women who achieve the qualification should be given an opportunity in the league.

"As clubs and boards and chairmen diversify, I think we will see more opportunities, but it's up to those who are in charge to place more trust in female leaders," Hayes told Press Association Sport.

Speaking Kick It Out's Women's Raise Your Game conference at Upton Park this week, Hayes spoke about how the sport has changed in recent years.

"I've come home after 10 years in America and am now able to forge a career at a club like Chelsea, to provide opportunities not just for professional players but for staff involved in the game, and that is similar to what's being done at other clubs around the country.

"I think this is a real golden period in women's football."