Fourth-tier side Forest Green Rovers appointed Hannah Dingley as caretaker head coach on Tuesday following Duncan Ferguson's exit, making her the first woman to manage a men's professional team in England.
Forest Green, who were relegated from League One last season, said earlier on Tuesday that Ferguson had left his role after six months in charge.
Dingley made her debut in a friendly at non-league side Melksham Town on Wednesday. The game ended 1-1.
History made. #WeAreFGR pic.twitter.com/mLrD9NaK7J
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) July 5, 2023
New @FGRFC_Official caretaker coach Hannah Dingley receives a warm reception.
History made here at @MELKSHAMTOWNFC tonight! The first female to manage a male professional team…. @itvwestcountry #FGR pic.twitter.com/PEW7QRM9od— Ross Arnott (@RossArnottITV) July 5, 2023
"I'm really excited for this next step of my career," Dingley, who has a UEFA pro licence, told the club's website. "I am grateful for the opportunity to step up and to lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club."
Dingley joined the Gloucestershire club in 2019 to take charge of the academy and remains the only woman to manage a club academy in the English men's league soccer. She also launched a girls' academy in 2021.
The 39-year-old previously coached women's teams at Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Lincoln and was head of coaching at League One side Burton Albion's academy.
"There are loads of really good female coaches who could quite happily coach at this level." ️ Hannah Dingley speaking in March 2023
The Welsh trailblazer has been named caretaker boss for the Forest Green Rovers men's side #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/l8D2nJuTJw— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 5, 2023
"Hannah was the natural choice," club chairman Dale Vince said. "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."
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad; Editing by Peter Rutherford )
