History made as Forest Green Rovers appoint first woman to lead an EFL club

Hannah Dingely will take caretaker charge for their friendly against Melksham Town

Carmarthenshire's Hannah Dingley will replace former Scottish international Duncan Ferguson as Head Coach
Author: Ashton KirbyPublished 4th Jul 2023
Last updated 5th Jul 2023

Forest Green Rovers have become the first ever English Football League club to name a woman as their Head Coach.

Hannah Dingley, who also made history by becoming the club's academy manager, will take caretaker charge for their friendly against Melksham Town.

Dingley joined the world's greenest football club 4 years go, and in 2021 launched Forest Green Rovers' Girls Academy.

"Natural choice" - Owner Dale Vince

Dale Vince, Chairman of Forest Green Rovers, says, “Hannah was the natural choice for us, to be first team interim 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’.

Hannah Dingley, Caretaker Head Coach of Forest Green Rovers added, “I’m really excited for this next step of my career.

"Preseason 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.”

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