Hannah Dingley is officially the first woman in the history of English professional men’s football to serve as head coach after being appointed interim coach by the Forest Green Rovers on July 4. She will take over the coaching duties previously held by Duncan Ferguson, which will continue with the team after just six months on the job.
Dingley’s first game as interim coach was a friendly against Melksham Town on Wednesday, resulting in a 1–1 draw.
“I am very excited about this next step in my career,” Dingley said in a statement. “Pre-season has just started and the full season will start very soon. It’s an exciting time in football. I’m grateful for the chance to step up and lead such a forward-thinking and forward-thinking club.”
She is new to the position, but has several years of experience with the organization. Four years ago, Dingley was hired as coach of the club’s Fourth Division academy. She also helped launch the FGR Girls Academy in 2021.
Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince said choosing Dingley was an easy decision because of everything she has done for the club to date.
“Hannah was the natural choice to become interim head coach of the first team – she has done a fantastic job leading our Academy and fits well with the values of the club,” Vince said in a statement. “Perhaps it is significant for the men’s game that this appointment sees us breaking new ground on merit – and Hannah becomes the first female head coach in English (men’s) football.”