Hannah Dingley has become the first woman to manage a men’s league side.
Dingley has been appointed caretaker boss of League Two team Forest Green.
She replaces the former Everton and Scotland striker Duncan Ferguson.
Forest Green owner 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.’
Dingley – who has a UEFA Pro Licence – said:
“I’m really excited. 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.”
Earlier Dingley said in a BBC interview:
“There are really good female coaches out there who I have more than faith in would be more than capable of coaching at a men’s level.
“They’re players at the end of the day.
“It’s football at the end of the day, that doesn’t change.
“I don’t think it’ll be long before you see a female on the touchline.”