There’s a new face in the dugout at Kingsmeadow as Sonia Bompastor looks to fill the sizable shoes of Emma Hayes.

Having spent three seasons in charge of European giants Lyon in her native France, the 44-year-old is preparing to enter her first season as Blues boss, looking to prolong the club’s golden era.

A midfielder during her playing days, Bompastor had a decorated career, winning eight Division 1 Feminine titles with Montpellier and Lyon as well as turning out over 150 times for France.

After honing her managerial craft in Lyon’s academy post retirement, she was made first team coach in 2021.

Bompastor has since gone on to become one of the most winning managers in world football, winning three consecutive domestic league titles as well as a UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2021/22 – a trophy that has so far evaded Chelsea.