"Anything is possible" says Forest Green Rovers' history making Head Coach Dingley
Hannah Dingley was in the dug out against Melksham Town for her first game as The Vegan's caretaker boss
Last updated 6th Jul 2023
History making Head Coach, Hannah Dingley, says her appointment shows young girls, "Anything is possible if you work hard enough, and opportunities do come along."
The first female to take the reins of an English Football League club was in the dug out as her side, Forest Green Rovers, drew 1-1 to 8th tier Melksham Town in a pre-season friendly.
"It's all been a whirlwind" - Caretaker Head Coach Hannah Dingley on the last 48 years
Caretaker Head Coach, Hannah Dingley told Greatest Hits Radio the last 48 hours has "all been a whirlwind", and she hasn't considered whether or not she'll apply for the job full time.
He added, "I haven't taken a training session with the playing yet. That was the first performance we have seen from them since coming back from preseason.
"I think the important thing is we get into training, we start working hard and we see where things take us."
Dingley went on to say that this isn't a "gimmick", its about giving the players the best preparation for their League Two campaign.
"She's the right person for the job" - says owner Dale Vince
Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince was eager to make sure people knew this wasn't a media stunt, saying "Anybody thinking it's a gimmick, doesn't know what they're talking about."
He added, "I'm still surprised, almost shocked, by the attention.
"But in the way its probably a good thing, it suggests that the barrier we have just broken through was a big one.
"The bar to women coaching in the men's game is bigger than I imagined, because the reaction has been incredible."
Responding to whether or not caretaker Head Coach will get the full time job, Dale Vince says, "I don't know ... we'll now start a process of recruitment.
"Hannah Dingley may throw her name in the hat, I haven't asked her if she will.
"If she does, she'll take part like everyone else.
"It will be an equal process, with no discrimination on gender, sexuality or race, it doesn't matter to us.
"It is all about merit."
Forest Green Rovers will next face Championship side Coventry City on 18th July in an another pre-season friendly.
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