After wishing viewers a “happy Father’s Day”, Hayes spoke directly to Sid and marked what she described as his “heavenly birthday”, the report says.
That personal note carried added weight because Sid was reportedly a committed supporter of women’s football. He is said to have played a significant role in helping develop the women’s game, including through work connected with Arsenal Women and youth football in Regent’s Park.
For Hayes, his influence was not simply emotional. It was part of the foundation that allowed her to enter and thrive in a sport where opportunities for women were once far more limited.
Hayes’ role in the coverage also made the tribute especially fitting. The former Chelsea Women manager has moved between elite management and tactical analysis, offering insight during match build-up, half-time discussions and in-game breaks.
Her ability to explain football clearly has made her a natural presence in the studio. Yet the jacket message revealed the personal story behind the public authority: a coach shaped by belief before she became a figure capable of inspiring others.
That connection between family, leadership and women’s football gives the tribute a wider resonance. Hayes is not only reflecting on where she came from; she is part of the generation helping determine where the game goes next.
As the World Cup continues, and Hayes returns to both her USA responsibilities and the analyst’s chair, her father’s message will remain a powerful thread through her public work. For a coach whose career has already changed perceptions, the words on her jacket feel like both remembrance and mission.