Hugs are back on the menu, so the last huddle of the season for Chelsea Women on the Kingsmeadow pitch after the Chelsea v Everton 5th round FA Cup tie was special.

It’s always a poignant moment. Everyone has now come to terms with Champions League defeat to a clearly superior Barcelona side, and can bask in the glory of winning the Women’s Super League and the Conti Cup, with the possibility of turning a double into a treble when the final stages of the Covid-interrupted FA Cup are played out in the autumn.

But at the end of this strange, strung-out and largely fanless season, it’s also a rather emotional time. One thing is certain; it won’t be precisely the same personnel in the first group hug of the 2021-22 season. Some will have left, some joined, some will be on loan to other clubs to gain more matchday experience.

Two squad members, Jamie-Lee Napier and Emily Murphy, have been on loan at Birmingham City, and could be recalled at the end of June.

Dutch defender Aniek Nouwen is joining in the summer, and manager Emma Hayes is likely to want to add further strength to her squad. But that means the exit door beckons for a couple of this season’s players.

It’s always a tricky time. Everyone wants to (finally) return to their home countries for a summer break, and no one wants to be told they’re surplus to requirements. But those awkward conversations are being held now, so that the girls who leave have the best chance of finding alternative employment.

Fran Kirby – no surprise – has been named as Chelsea Women’s player of the year, and has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2023. It is the second time she has lifted the trophy, and she collected the large glass ornament (right) before the cup game.

On Thursday night at Kingsmeadow, goals from Guro Reiten, Sam Kerr and Drew Spence secured the 3-0 win against the Toffees, although the margin could have been more as Beth England and Millie Bright hit the woodwork. England also had a header ruled out for offside.

After a six-week holiday, pre-season training will resume in July.

Pictures by Jane Grove.