Forest Green Rovers’ caretaker head coach Hannah Dingley becomes first female to lead senior men’s professional football team in England.
Her history-making appointment came after Duncan Ferguson left his role of head coach on 4 July.
Dingley, who joined Forest Green four years ago and remains the only woman in charge of a men’s EFL Academy, also initiated the launch of the FGR Girls Academy in 2021.
Dale Vince, Chairman, Forest Green Rovers, told fgr.co.uk: “Hannah was the natural choice 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.”
Caretaker Head Coach, Dingley, 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 to lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club.”
We can confirm that Hannah Dingley has been named our Caretaker Head Coach.
Dingley will take charge of the team for tomorrow night’s friendly at Melksham Town.#WeAreFGR💚
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) July 4, 2023
