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      Who is football manager Hannah Dingley?

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      HANNAH Dingley has been appointed the first woman to take charge of a men’s team in English professional football.From her work experience at Swansea City to being named the interim manager by Forest Green Rovers – here’s everything you need to know.
      Hannah Dingley has been appointed interim manager by Forest Green RoversCredit: Getty
      Who is Hannah Dingley?
      Hannah Dingley, born July 19, 1983, is a Welsh football coach.
      She is currently the caretaker manager of the Gloucestershire club, Forest Green Rovers.
      Dingley grew up in the South Wales village of Llansteffan and started playing football with her older brother and other boys from the age of five — also playing in school teams.
      However, at the age of 11, Dingley had to give up playing because girls were prohibited from being in boys’ teams and there were no girls’ sides in her local area under the age of 16.
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      ”Girls played hockey and netball and boys football and rugby. That’s the way it was — but I still loved the game and went to watch the boys, although I wasn’t allowed to join in,” Dingley explained.
      The only way she was able to get back into the sport was by taking on work experience at Swansea City – and it was there she decided to pursue a career in football.
      Dingley resumed playing at the age of 16 for Carmarthen Town, before going on to do a BTEC in Football Studies – where she was the only girl on her college course in Llanelli.
      She then went on to earn a degree in PE and sports sciences at Loughborough University, as well obtaining a number of coaching badges.
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      Dingley, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, also coached both men’s, women’s and boys’ and girls’ teams. 
      When did Hannah become manager of Forest Green Rovers?
      Forest Green Rovers made history in July 2023 by appointing Hannah Dingley as the first woman to lead a men’s team in English professional football.
      Dingley has been placed in charge of the League Two club in an interim position following the departure of Duncan Ferguson.
      Duncan spent six months in charge of the Gloucestershire club, during which time he failed to keep them in League One.
      It is understood that Dingley will continue in the role during the search for Ferguson’s replacement.
      Speaking about her new role, Dingley said: ”I’m really excited for this next step of my career. 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 to lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club.”
      Asked if she wants the job full-time, she said: “I haven’t even taken a training session yet so just want to focus on getting the players prepared for the new season before thinking about anything else.”
      What other clubs has Hannah Dingley managed?
      Prior to making history at Forrest Green Rovers, Dingley worked as a course leader at Loughborough College in Sport & Exercise Science, whilst also working as an academy coach at Notts County and Lincoln Ladies in 2011.
      She has also previously been a first-team coach at Hinckley, assistant-manager of Gresley and head of coaching at Burton.
      Then in 2019, Forest Green owner Dale Vince made her the first woman to run a professional club’s academy.
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      Is Hannah Dingley married and does she have children?
      At the time of writing it is not known whether Hannah Dingley is married or has children.
      It appears the Rovers caretaker-boss prefers to keep her private life out of the spotlight. More

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      Forest Green make history by appointing first woman EVER to lead men’s team in English professional football

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      FOREST GREEN ROVERS have made history by appointing the first woman to lead a men’s team in English professional football.Hannah Dingley has been placed in interim charge of the League Two club following Duncan Ferguson’s departure.
      Hannah Dingley has been appointed interim manager by Forest Green RoversCredit: Rex Features
      Hannah Dingley has taken over following the departure of Duncan FergusonCredit: Getty
      Ferguson left the Gloucestershire club on Tuesday following six months in charge, during which time he failed to keep them in League One.
      Dingley took charge of first-team training on Tuesday and will continue to lead pre-season preparations.
      It is understood she will continue in the role during the search for Ferguson’s replacement.
      She is set to be in the dugout for Rovers’ first pre-season friendly away to non-league Melksham Town.
      READ MORE ON FOREST GREEN
      Dingley, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, was previously linked with the managerial role at The New Lawn back in 2021.
      The links came after she had excelled as the head of the club’s academy, having become the first woman to hold such a role in 2019.
      She has also previously served as a youth coach and head of academy coaching at Forest Green.
      Owner Dale Vince has turned the Greens into one of the world’s most socially forward-thinking clubs.
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      They were recognised as the first vegan football club in 2017 and have been dubbed the “greenest team in the world” thanks to measures including an electric team coach and a ground powered solely by renewable energy.
      Forest Green begin their League Two campaign at home to Salford City on August 5. More

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      Wrexham’s stadium EVACUATED after rain pours in from ceiling as diners enjoyed £25 Father’s Day lunch

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      WREXHAM’S Racecourse Ground was evacuated after rain began pouring in from the ceiling during Father’s Day lunch service.The Welsh city was subjected to heavy downpours and thunder on Sunday as many areas were left flooded.
      Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground suffered damage as a result of the bad conditionsCredit: Getty
      Ryan Reynolds, left, and Rob McElhenney, right, are the Hollywood owners of WrexhamCredit: Getty
      And the newly-promoted League Two side felt the brunt of the severe weather at their 10,800-seater stadium.
      As customers enjoyed their £24.95 per head meals at the Racecourse Ground, the Macron Stand began leaking.
      It became apparent that the wet, blustery conditions had caused structural damage to the venue.
      And everyone was swiftly forced to evacuate the premises.
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      A club statement read: “Wrexham AFC can confirm the 1864 Suite was evacuated during the third sitting of today’s Father’s Day meals at the Racecourse Ground.
      “In the wake of the torrential rain that hit the region late this afternoon, some structural damage has resulted in a large leak inside the Macron Stand reception area.
      “All diners were evacuated from the Suite on safety grounds, with the Fire & Rescue Services contacted. Everyone inside the stand at the time was successfully evacuated.
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      “All guests who were part of the third sitting will be contacted by the club, and we share their disappointment that – after two successful sittings – circumstances beyond our control have disrupted plans for the evening.
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      “We will assess the situation in the Macron Stand, to ensure we can get everything back up and running as soon as possible.”
      North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there were 13 reports of flash-flooding in the Wrexham area on Sunday.
      Meanwhile, the fourth-tier side, owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are preparing to return to The Football League for the first time in 15 years.
      They won the National League with an incredible 111 points.
      And their A-List celebrity backing means they are already the favourites to win League Two next season. More

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      You’re a genius if you can spot the hidden nickname in Gillingham’s badge and fans can’t believe they’ve just noticed it

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      FANS can’t believe that they’ve only just spotted the hidden nickname on Gillingham’s badge.The Gills came 17th in League Two last season, climbing away from the relegation zone after a flurry of January signings.
      Fans have noticed that the word ‘Gills’ features on Gillingham’s badge
      Neil Harris’ side have been out of action since the fourth tier’s conclusion in early May.
      But fans have still been chatting about the Gills online, after noticing the nickname on their badge.
      The Kent side’s crest features their full name written across the top, with black stripes on the left and a white prancing horse on the right.
      Previously unbeknownst to many casual fans, the horse’s mane features the word “Gills”.
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      Noticing this fact, EFL fanatic and podcaster Edward Walker tweeted: “I was today years old when I realised that the mane of the horse in the Gillingham badge spells the club’s nickname…”
      He then added: “Cannot fathom how it’s taken me this long to realise. Shameful.”
      Walker wasn’t the only one, with another fan writing: “Wow – I’ve never noticed either!”
      While a second tweeted: “Wow, that’s quite incredible. Never noticed that before.”
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      A third joked: “How do I unsee this?”
      And a further Twitter user wrote: “I’ve been lied to…”
      Another added: “I can’t not see it now it’s mad how did we miss it.”
      Fans ‘can’t unsee’ the nickname on Gillingham’s badgeCredit: Gary Stone More

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      Gary Neville is ‘bored’ of the Glazers and wishes they were more like Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville praised Wrexham’s Hollywood star owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as he aimed a fresh dig at the Glazers.Neville hasn’t held back on his criticism against the Glazer family during a seven-month takeover saga that could see the unpopular owners leaving Old Trafford after 18 years in charge.
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville slammed the GlazersCredit: PA
      Gary Neville wishes the Glazers were more like Wrexham’s Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenneyCredit: Getty
      The Sky Sports pundit believes the Americans have handled the bidding war so poorly he is now feeling “bored”.
      The former right-back hinted he wished they were more like Reynolds and McElhenney, who always “turn up” for League Two newbies Wrexham.
      That is despite the fact the Welsh outfit still has a long way to go to make it to the big leagues after returning to the EFL only a month ago.
      Neville said: “Everyone’s bored now. Honestly, I think everyone has got the point whereby what the Glazers do, they erode every little last bit of energy out of everything that they do.
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      The United hero added: “They turn up there [Reynolds and McElhenney].
      “They’ve done it well at Wrexham and they’ve got obviously a long way to go to get to probably where they want to be, Championship, Premier League, and probably that might take three years, eight years, 12 years, who knows.”
      However, Neville’s frustrations may soon come to an end as Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani appears to have won the takeover race.
      Sheikh Jassim has been vying with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos to buy United from the Glazers.
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      Ratcliffe had been the front-runner to purchase a 60 per cent stake, which would have seen the Americans stay on in a reduced role at Old Trafford.
      But according to newspaper Al-Watan, which is owned by Sheikh Jassim’s father, the Qatari bid for the Red Devils has been successful and an official announcement is imminent.
      The Qatari banker’s latest offer for a 100 per cent stake in the club is thought to be worth around £5billion. More

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      Former Premier League star and Wales international ‘SNUBS Wrexham’ in favour of transfer to League Two rivals

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      JONNY WILLIAMS is joining Bradford on a three-year deal.The ex-Wales midfielder, 29, saw his contract at Swindon expire at the end of last season.
      Jonny Williams looks set to join Bradford after leaving SwindonCredit: Getty
      Williams will link up with Mark Hughes’ League Two side, who are desperate to win promotion after losing out in the play-offs to Carlisle.
      Bradford have already sold 17,000 season tickets for next season.
      Williams is believed to have turned down offers from fellow League One side Northampton as well as League Two trio Wrexham, Notts County and Gillingham.
      That means the playmaker will not be part of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s popular project.
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      This comes after Reynolds and McElhenney tried to convince his former star team-mate Gareth Bale to join their revolution.
      The 33-cap Welshman represented his country at two Euros finals in 2016 and 2020 and at last year’s World Cup before retiring from international football in March.
      Williams’ senior career kicked off in 2011 when he was promoted from Crystal Palace’s youth squad.
      The Welshman underwent a series of loan stints during his time at Selhurst Park.
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      The versatile midfielder played for Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and Sunderland.
      Williams managed 70 appearances his eight-year stint at Palace before moving to Charlton.
      Two years later he joined Cardiff for a few months before signing with Swindon. More

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      Carlisle United 1 Stockport County 1 (5-4 pens) – League Two play-off final LIVE RESULT: Blues promoted after epic pens

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      CARLISLE UNITED have been promoted to League One after a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.Stockport’s Isaac Oloafe’s deflected cross looped over Tomas Holy into the Carlisle net to put the Hatters in front.
      And United put things level terms right at the death courtesy of Omari Patrick.
      The tie could only be decided by a penalty shootout which saw Ryan Rydel’s penalty saved which granted promotion to Carlisle.

      LIVE RESULT: Carlisle United 1-1 Stockport (5-4 pens)
      Carlisle XI: Holy, Whelan, Huntington, Mellish; Senior, Moxon, Guy, McCalmont, Armer; Gordon, Ganer
      Stockport XI: Hinchliffe, Wright, Horsfall, Hussey, Knoyle, Camps, Croasdale, Sarcevic, Rydel, Olafe, Madden

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      Follow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…
      Big attendance
      The final attendance for the fixture was 34,004.
      Credit: PA
      Fans in heaven!
      Carlisle fans will be partying long into the night after witnessing their side gain promotion to League One.
      Credit: PA
      What is left in the EFL?
      After Luton Town’s promotion to the Premier League, Notts County’s jump to League Two and Carlisle’s success today there is still the matter of the League One play off final.
      Barnsley will take on Sheffield Wednesday at Wembley Stadium tomorrow for a spot in the Championship nest season.
      The trophy lift!
      Credit: PA
      Time for the bubbly
      Carlisle captain Paul Huntington has lifted the trophy after his side won the League Two play-off final.
      The moment Carlisle won promotion
      Credit: PA
      Loss a “massive blow”
      Former Stockport defender Liam Hogan has spoken after his old club suffered a penalty heartbreak at Wembley.
      He told the BBC: “It’s a massive blow. If you got back to open play, the Akil Wright moment, we could have sealed the win in normal time.
      “When the dust settles there will be a realisation of what they’ve achieved this season. Playing an event like the League Two final is a massive achievement in itself.
      “Within the club there’s a big foundation and this could be a stepping stone to keep progressing.
      “There’s a squad there that they can build but it will be a strong league next season with the likes of Wrexham and Notts County coming up.
      “To be so close, going back into the dressing room having lost will be a massive disappointment.”
      Charters hails promotion
      Carlisle star Taylor Charters has admitted that achieving promotion “means the world”.
      He told Sky Sports: “I can’t put it into words. It means the world.
      “I tried to block everything out.
      “I remember coming to watch the team as a kid and we have had years of disappointment so it’s great to have some joy.”
      Holy on the heroes
      Fresh off his penalty save, Tomas Holy has hailed his team-mates for their effort during the final.
      Holy told Sky Sports: “I am not the hero, these guys are the heroes.
      “They ran around for 120 minutes, I just did my little part, but these guys are the heroes.”
      Joy for Carlisle

      Cruel football
      Commiserations for Rydel and Stockport, but it was a great save from Holy to give Carlisle the advantage in the shootout.
      Credit: PA
      CARLISLE PROMOTED
      Taylor Charters’ winning penalty will go down in history for Carlisle as it has sent them up to League One.
      While Ryan Rydel’s effort that was saved by Tomas Holy proved to be costly for Stockport, who will remain in League Two.
      Shootout – Carlisle 5-4 Stockport
      Charters slots it in and wins promotion for Carlisle!!!!
      Shootout – Carlisle 4-4 Stockport
      Collar nets the vital penalty for County.
      Shootout – Carlisle 4-3 Stockport
      Carlisle’s Moxon steps up and sends the keeper the wrong way, one more goal is needed to send them to League One.
      Shootout – Carlisle 3-3 Stockport
      Stockport’s Stretton hammers it into the top corner.
      Shootout – Carlisle 3-2 Stockport
      Edmondson to take for Carlisle.. and he slots it in.
      Shootout – Carlisle 2-2 Stockport
      Hippolyte to level it back up and he… scores!
      Shootout – Carlisle 2-1 Stockport
      Mellish steps up for Carlisle and rams it home!
      Shootout – Carlisle 1-1 Stockport
      Rydel up for County and it is SAVED!
      Shootout – Carlisle 1-1 Stockport
      Dennis is first up for United and buries it.
      Stockport first up
      Evans starts the shootout and…scores.
      Stockport first up
      Evans starts the shootout and…scores.
      Coin toss
      The penalties will be taken toward the Stockport fans.
      ET FT Carlisle 1-1 Stockport
      And that is it one last peep from the whistle, penalties it is…
      Load more entries… More

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      Man who lived in FOOTBALL STADIUM reveals favourite thing about home – and impact it had on his relationship

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      A MAN who lived in a football stadium has revealed his favourite things about his unusual home.Ben was one of a group of lucky tenants who could walk just a few yards from his sofa to watch the live action from the director’s box-style balcony of his stunning flat.
      One flat in the stadium went up for sale this year for just £350,000Credit: Triangle News
      Ben, who lived in another of the property’s, was one of a group of lucky tenants to enjoy this stunning pitchside viewCredit: Andrew Butler
      The apartments are within Leyton Orient’s home groundCredit: Andrew Butler
      They are tastefully furnished and open-planCredit: Triangle News
      That’s because he lived in one of the blocks situated at each of the four corners of the Matchroom Stadium in Leyton, Greater London, home to League Two table-toppers Leyton Orient.
      Perks include top-quality matchday seats from the comfort of your own home and the ability to drink alcohol in view of the pitch, which is banned in the stands due to English ground regulations.
      Speaking to The Sun in 2017, Ben explained the best bits of living in such a unique home.
      He said: “The idea of living in a football stadium was hard to ignore – I’d invited half my mates round before we’d signed the contract and God knows how I convinced my girlfriend to say yes to the idea.
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      “We stumbled upon the flat when we were looking for somewhere to live. The pictures stood out.
      “Once I saw the balcony I’m not sure I even bothered to look at the kitchen or bathroom.”
      He added that he was “really surprised” that the flat cost no more than the others in the area despite its view.
      Ben beamed: “Living in what’s essentially a director’s box, you see all the behind the scenes stuff you wouldn’t as a typical fan.
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      “Like the groundsman doing his rounds, players letting their kids on the pitch post-match, the warm downs, briefings of the stewards and press activity.
      “It is really nice. You can sit out on a Tuesday evening with your dinner and a cuppa watching a professional football match while your other half is watching Bake Off on the sofa within shouting range.
      “And we don’t even need to buy a second telly.”
      There aren’t really any drawbacks to the apartments for footie fanatics, with no need to queue up, buy tickets or pay stadium prices for food and drink.
      Even when away fans have been known to chant “We can see you washing up” it has only served to lighten the matchday mood even more.
      It comes after one of the other flats in the stadium went up for sale earlier this year.
      Even though it boasts the same birdseye view of the soon-to-be League One side’s pitch, it went on the market for a cool £350,000 – more than reasonable for London prices.
      And they come with a stunning view of the pitchCredit: Triangle News
      Even the bedrooms provide a bird’s eye viewCredit: Triangle News
      It means Ben can hop up off the sofa and catch the live action from his director’s box-style balconyCredit: Andrew Butler
      He’s even allowed to drink while in view of the pitch, unlike fans in the standsCredit: Andrew Butler More