Dale Vince has heaped praise on outgoing Forest Green Academy Manager Hannah Dingley, who is set to become the Head of Women’s and Girls Football at the Football Association of Ireland.
Dingley,40, was appointed caretaker head coach last summer following the departure of Duncan Ferguson. She made history by becoming the first woman to lead an elite English men’s team during pre-season before David Horseman was appointed from Southampton B.
She also remains the only woman to have taken in charge of a men’s English Football League Academy and implementing the FGR Girls Academy in 2021.
“Hannah is a diamond,” said chairman Vince. “She’s been a huge asset to FGR and I’m sure she’ll be a big success at the FAI. We’ll be watching her with pride from the sidelines.
“Hannah led the Academy to new heights over the past five years. Thanks to her the Academy has a bright future in the years ahead. We’re now pulling out the stops to find someone of the right calibre to replace Hannah, we’ve got some big shoes to fill.”
On the move, Dingley said: “I have had a wonderful five years at FGR but it’s now time for me to move onto a new project.
“I’d like to thank Dale and the club for giving me so many opportunities that have helped me grow and develop and for being so supportive of the Academy programme in general.
“There are some great people at the club who I will miss greatly, and with their hard work and dedication I know the Academy will continue to go from strength to strength.”
