FOREST Green have become the first professional club to appoint a woman in charge.

Rovers, who are back in League Two alongside City this season, have named Hannah Dingley as their caretaker boss after Duncan Ferguson’s exit yesterday.

Dingley joined the club four years ago and has been the only woman in charge of a men’s EFL academy.

“Hannah was the natural choice to be first-team interim head coach,” chairman Dale Vince told the club website.

“She’s done a fantastic job leading our academy and is well aligned with the values of the club.

“It is perhaps telling for the men’s game that in making this appointment on merit, we’ll break new ground.”

Ferguson left the club after winning just one of his 18 games at the helm. He had been given a five-year contract in January but failed to save Forest Green from an immediate return to the fourth tier.

Dingley said: “I’m really excited for this next step of my career.

“Pre-season has just begun and the full season kicks off every 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.”

City face Forest Green at the New Lawn on Tuesday, November 28. The Valley Parade return fixture takes place on March 12.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Hannah Dingley has been with Forest Green Rovers since 2019Hannah Dingley has been with Forest Green Rovers since 2019 (Image: Shane Healey)