Forest Green Rovers appoint Hannah Dingley as manager – a first in English football
Forest Green Rovers have appointed academy president Hannah Dingley as caretaker coach of the men’s A team following the departure of Duncan Ferguson.
Following Ferguson’s unexpected departure, Dingley took over the helm of the League Two club, in a milestone in English football announced by Mail Sport. Dingley (UAE Pro license holder)temporarily for now) She became the first female coach to make the men’s A team in the professional leagues in England.
We can confirm that Hannah Dingley has been named our interim head coach.
Dingley will take charge of the squad for tomorrow’s friendly at Melksham Town.#SomosFGR
—Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) July 4, 2023
Forest Green take on Melksham Town in their first pre-season game on Wednesday night. Dingley will lead the team.
Club owner Dale Vince said: “Hannah, it was a natural choice for us to be the interim head coach of the first team. She has done a great job under the leadership of our academy and fits well with the club’s values.” and he added the following words:
“When we make this appointment worthwhile, we will break new ground and Hannah being the first female manager in English (men’s) football may be decisive for the men’s game.”
“I AM VERY EXCITED”
Dingley expressed his feelings as follows: “I am very excited. The pre-season has just started and the full season will start very soon. It is an exciting time in football. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this progressive and forward-thinking club.”
Hanna Dingley.
In an interview with the BBC earlier this year, when Dingley was asked if a woman had time to manage the men’s professional soccer team, she replied: “I think it will happen sooner.”
“The success of the Lioness, Emma Hayes at Chelsea. There are some really good female trainers who can train at the men’s level. After all, they are players. After all, this is football, that doesn’t change.”
Alongside Ferguson, former Scotland striker Tony Grant was announced to have left Forest Green.
Confirming Ferguson’s departure, the club Vince said: “Working with Dunc over the past few months has been a privilege and a very difficult decision. I am grateful to Dunc for sticking with us through such difficult circumstances and for all of his hard work at the club. But I think it’s the right move overall for everyone and I wish Dunc the best in his next coaching role. We leave as friends. You can’t ask for more than that.” He said.