Hannah Dingley s appointment by Forest Green Rovers has been applauded by Ellen White and Demi Stokes, with the England greats hopeful it leads to further chances for female coaches.
The League Two club promoted Dingley from her role as academy boss to caretaker head coach earlier this month, following Duncan Ferguson s dismissal.
In taking the reins at The New Lawn, Dingley has become the first woman to lead a men s senior team in English football s top four divisions.
Speaking at the launch of Pixel FC, a collective of dedicated women s football creators helping to close the visibility gap within women s football, both White and Stokes hailed the decision to appoint her.
I think it s really exciting, White said. It s something that everyone s been speaking about before, but I m really excited to see a female in the men s game being a manager.
It s really inspiring and hopefully, she does amazingly. I m really excited to see, hopefully, more opportunities now available for women in the men s game.
Ready to go
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official)
White and Stokes, both members of England s Euro 2022-winning squad, outlined their hopes that Dingley s appointment will normalise pathways for women in the men s game.
I think it s just all about visibility and [being] given an opportunity, I think that s the main thing, White added.
There are so many opportunities in sport for women now and hopefully, we can continue to break down barriers.
For it not to be something that s alien or something that s very minimal [would be great]. I think it should be something that s seen and heard and visible, and that s what I m excited to see in the future.
Stokes echoed her former team-mate s sentiments, adding: I love it. I think it s fantastic. I think that s what you want. It should be the norm. It shouldn t be, oh, a female has taken over a men s side .
It should just be, this is the new manager and she is a female . I think, male or female, as long as you re good enough for the job, then it doesn t matter who you are.
Dingley took charge of her first game on July 5, a 1-1 friendly draw with Melksham Town, and could still be in charge for Rovers League Two opener against Salford City next month.
