English football history has been made, after Forest Green Rovers announced Hannah Dingley as their new Caretaker Head Coach.
Dingley replaces Duncan Ferguson in the hotseat at the New Lawn Stadium, after the Everton legend failed to prevent relegation to League Two, following his appointment in January.
While Dingley's role is described as temporary for now, the 39-year-old is the first female head coach in English men's football.
She will lead pre-season preparations, starting with a friendly match against Melksham Town on Wednesday night.
Hannah Dingley is English football's first female men's boss
Dingley has been in charge of Forest Green's academy for the past four years, making her the only female to lead a men's English club at this level.
She has previously coached at Burton Albion's academy, and also worked as a coach for the club's senior side, under the management of Nigel Clough.
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
"Hannah was the natural choice"
"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," said Forest Green chairman Dale Vince.
"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."
Forest Green
Forest Green are known for leading the way in many aspects of their operations, so it's no surprise that they've opted to break new ground in this way.
Most of the food they serve on matchday is vegan, and they have been recognised by Fifa as the world's greenest football club.
"I’m really excited for this next step of my career," said Dingley.
"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.”
In Action: Tonight👊#WeAreFGR💚
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) July 5, 2023
Twitter reaction to appointment of Hannah Dingley
While many clubs will be wary of the online reaction to appointing a female head coach, the Twitter response to Forest Green's announcement has been largely positive.
All going well pre-season, Dingley could find herself in charge when the club open their League Two campaign at home to Salford City on August 5th.
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