LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Hannah Dingley has made history as the first woman to lead a men’s professional sports team after being named Forest Green Rovers’ manager.
After only six months in charge of the League Two team, Dingley has been named Forest Green Rovers’ temporary manager; this comes after Duncan Ferguson was given the sack.
The 39-year-old, who formerly served as the club’s academy director, is thrilled to be the first woman in England to be given the reins of a senior professional men’s squad.
“I’m really excited for this next step of my career. Pre-season has just begun, and the full season kicks off very soon,” said Dingley.
“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.”
Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince said appointing Dingley was an easy decision to make after her good work with the academy.
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Forest Green were demoted from League One last season under Ferguson, who only secured one victory in his time in charge.
Dingley will now assume charge of preparing for the upcoming season; she’ll be in charge of the team on Wednesday when they play Melksham Town in a preseason friendly.
Dingley receiving the position from Forest Green is a historic choice, and the new coach will be hoping she can assume leadership on a long-term basis.
The next preseason friendly for Rovers are against Coventry, Everton’s Under-21 team, and Plymouth after their Wednesday match against Melksham.
At the New Lawn on August 5, the team will play their first League Two match of the year against Salford.
