First female coach in England steps down just two weeks into her role

English club owner Forest Green has announced the end of Hannah Dingley’s appointment as team coach days after she took on the challenge that made her the first woman to lead a men’s team in the professional world.

Dingley, who holds a European Union coaching license, has taken a temporary position at the fourth-tier club this month following the departure of Duncan Ferguson.

The new manager, Horseman, has come from Southampton after taking over the reserves, but Dingley will remain in his position when he plays Under-21 friendly matches at Coventry City and Everton this week.

“I am grateful to Hannah for taking charge of the club during the manager selection process,” said Dale Vince, owner of Forest Green. “Although this time she did not get this position, she gained valuable experience and took an important step in her career,” he added.

Horsman also coached Southampton’s first team during Robin Celis’ tenure and Vince said he was selected from 100 applicants. He added: “We are delighted to have David join us as first team coach as he has a lot of experience and a modern training style that suits us.”

Dingley first joined Forest Green Club in 2019 to lead an academy and become the first woman to lead an academy in a professional English club, and in 2021 Dingley also opened the club’s women’s academy.

In a previous interview, Dingley said she hopes that breaking down stereotyped barriers to women in football will encourage more women to take part in coaching and other game-related roles.

Source: “Wakalat”