News article
Forest Green Rovers appoints first female head coach in English men’s football
Forest Green Rovers, which is recognised by FIFA and the United Nations as the world’s greenest team, has appointed the first woman to take charge of a professional English football club.
The League Two club has appointed Hannah Dingley as Caretaker Head Coach.
Dingley first joined the club as a coach four years ago and remains the only woman in charge of a men’s English Football League academy.
During her time at Forest Green, Dingley also initiated the launch of the FGR Girls Academy in 2021, which helps to develop female players and mirrors the men’s set-up.
Dingley has taken on the role following the departure of Duncan Ferguson as Head Coach.
“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 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 Dale Vince, Chairman, Forest Green Rovers.
“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 added: “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 to lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club.”