Forest Green Rovers become first men’s team in English football to appoint female manager
Forest Green Rovers have become the first professional men’s football team in the English leagues to appoint a female manager.
The Gloucestershire club, which is owned by businessman and Green campaigner Dale Vince, has appointed Hannah Dingley as their caretaker manager.
Dingley has replaced former Everton and Scotland manager Duncan Ferguson at the League Two side.
She said: “I’m really excited for this next step of my career. 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.”
Hannah Dingley joined Forest Green Rovers as a coach four years ago and has been in charge of the club’s academy.
Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince is the founder of Stroud based Ecotricity and a vocal environmental activist.
He said: “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.”
Forest Green Rovers are no strangers to breaking new ground in the professional game. They are the first vegan club in the professional game.
