Forest Green Rovers have named Hannah Dingley as their caretaker manager – making her the first woman to take charge of a senior professional men’s team in England.

She replaces former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson as manager of the League Two side and takes the reins with immediate effect.

Dingley said: “I’m really excited for this next step of my career. Pre-season has just begun, and the full season kicks off very soon. 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.”

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Dingley joined Forest Green Rovers as a coach four years ago and has been in charge of the club’s academy.

She remains the only woman in charge of a men’s English Football League academy after she was appointed to the role in 2019.

During her tenure at the club, Dingley also initiated the launch of the club’s girls academy in 2021 which develops female players – mirroring the men’s set-up.

Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince said: “Hannah was the natural choice for us, to be first team interim coach – 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 – and Hannah will be the first female head coach in English (men’s) football.”