Forest Green Rovers appoint Hannah Dingley as Academy Manager in English men's football first
Forest Green Rovers football club has appointed Hannah Dingley as its new Academy Manager.
The announcement marks the first time a woman has run an academy in English men's football.
Alongside the appointment, Forest Green Rovers (FGR) has also revealed plans to launch a new women's academy.
After working with Burton Albion since 2013, Dingley is tasked with building momentum in FGR's category three academy as well as developing fresh first-team talent.
Dingley leaves her position as Head of Academy Coaching at Burton Albion which she's held since 2016.
Commenting on her appointment, she said:
"I'm really excited to get started - it's the perfect blank canvas".
She added: "It feels like I’ve got a chance to innovate here and do things differently".
Forest Green Rover Chairman, Dale Vince, welcomed the appointment - saying Dingley is "a good cultural fit" for the club.
"Hannah is a great addition to the team at FGR, she has the experience, passion and skill to really drive our academy onward, giving our young players their best shot at first-team football".
He added both the club and Dingley share "an interest in innovation" and "breaking the mould".
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