Crawley Town explored the possibility of recruiting Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes as their new manager.
One source has told Sky Sports News Hayes was the No 1 choice and the club had made moves to approach her about the role.
Hayes was recently named FA WSL Manager of the Season after clinching a third league title in a row. She also led Chelsea to victory in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
However, Crawley are now pursuing another target and are interested in Arsenal U23 coach Kevin Betsy.
The League Two club parted company with former manager John Yems earlier this month after concluding its investigation into the 62-year-old following several allegations of racism.
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That came after a former Crawley player alleged to Sky the club’s changing room was segregated on racial grounds, with players from ethnic minorities made to change away from their white team-mates.
Sky Sports News had reported seven Crawley players came forward with allegations that Yems used discriminatory language and behaviour against his own players.
Hayes: Losing fuels me
There has often been speculation about Hayes’ future, which was once again a topic for discussion after Chelsea’s FA Cup final win earlier this month, as was how she continues to improve an already trophy-laden side.
Speaking after beating Manchester City at Wembley, she said: “Everyone knows I’ve got a contract at Chelsea, so what’s the speculation about? Maybe there’s a job that you guys are telling me I’m going for that I don’t know about. But as far as I’m concerned, I don’t have to kill any speculation. I’m under contract at Chelsea and there’s nothing to talk about.
“I can’t bear losing – I can’t bear the thought of it. I don’t want to think about it, losing fuels me. The minute I feel any of them coming close, I just want to get better.”