Forest Green Rovers have named Hannah Dingley as their caretaker head coach following the exit of Duncan Ferguson, making her the first woman to take charge of a senior professional men’s team in England.
Dingley joined Forest Green as a coach four years ago and remains the only woman in charge of a men’s English Football League academy since her appointment in 2019.
Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said: “Hannah was the natural choice for us to be first-team interim head coach – she’s done a fantastic job leading our academy and is well aligned with the values of the club.
“It’s perhaps telling for the men’s game that in making this appointment on merit, we’ll break new ground – and Hannah will be the first female head coach in English (men’s) football.”
During her tenure at the club, Dingley also initiated the launch of the FGR Girls Academy in 2021 which develops female players – mirroring the men’s set-up.
She said: “I’m really excited for this next step of my career. Pre-season has just begun, and the full season kicks off very soon. It’s an exciting time in football.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to step up and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club.”
More to follow….
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