In a groundbreaking move, Forest Green Rovers, a team in EFL League 2, have appointed Hannah Dingley as caretaker manager, making her the first woman coach for a professional men’s team.
The decision comes after Forest Green’s relegation from League 1 and the subsequent dismissal of manager Duncan Ferguson, who held the position for just six months.
Chairman Dale Vince, known for his environmental activism and for turning Forest Green into a vegan club, has made this historic decision to appoint Dingley to lead the men’s team in the upcoming 2023-24 season.
“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,” Vince said.
“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.”
Dingley joined Forest Green four years ago and has been operating as the only female Academy boss in the English game.
But she has now been handed the chance to take charge of the senior team while the search for a permanent appointment goes on — Dingley could yet be handed the job on a full-time basis.
“I’m really excited for this next step of my career,” Dingley said. “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.”