Hannah Dingley named Forest Green Rovers caretaker manager

Hannah Dingley has been named caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers, making her the first ever female to take charge of a men’s side in England’s top four divisions.

The club’s head of academy has been put in temporary charge after Duncan Ferguson left his role as head coach on Tuesday.

Dingley’s new role was confirmed by Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday evening. She will be in dugout for the League Two side’s friendly against Melksham Town on Wednesday night.

Chairman Dale Vince said: “Hannah was the natural choice for us 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.

Duncan Ferguson, Head Coach of Forest Green Rovers, is leaving the club today.

Chairman, Dale Vince, said: "It’d been a privilege to work with Dunc these last few months and this was a very difficult decision to make. I’m grateful to Dunc for joining us in such difficult circumstances and for all of his hard work at the club.  

"But I feel this is overall the right decision for everyone and I wish Dunc well in his next coaching role. We are parting as friends. You can’t ask for much more than that."

Ferguson built up an excellent reputation as a coach whilst at Goodison Park ahead of his first role in management at FGR.

Club chairman Dale Vince posted a statement which read: "It’d been a privilege to work with Dunc these last few months and this was a very difficult decision to make. "I'm grateful to Dunc for joining us in such difficult circumstances and for all of his hard work at the club.  

"But I feel this is overall the right decision for everyone and I wish Dunc well in his next coaching role. We are parting as friends. You can’t ask for much more than that."

Ferguson, who had signed a five-year deal with Rovers, presided over one win in 18 matches, as Forest Green were relegated to the fourth tier.

The 51-year-old former Scotland international has now departed, leaving Forest Green on the hunt for a new boss ahead of the new 2023-24 campaign.

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Sarah H

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