Hannah Dingley’s reign as the only female manager in England’s top four leagues comes to an end, with the Forest Green Rovers caretaker boss replaced by Southampton U23 coach David Horseman

Hannah Dingley’s reign as the only female manager in England’s top four leagues is coming to an end after Forest Green appointed Southampton Under-23 boss David Horseman as new head coach.

Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Monday that Horseman was being appointed the League Two side’s new boss ahead of the new season, bringing the curtain down on Dingley’s reign as caretaker boss.

Dingley will lead the team in their forthcoming pre-season games against Coventry and Everton U21s before handing the reins to Horseman and his assistant Louis Carey.

Forest Green placed head of academy Dingley in caretaker charge of the men’s senior team following the departure of Duncan Ferguson.

In a landmark move – exclusively revealed by Mail Sport – for English football, Dingley was handed the reins of the League Two club after Ferguson’s exit on July 4.

Forest Green Rovers interim boss Hannah Dingley has replaced by a permanent male manager

Dingley – who replaced Duncan Ferguson (right) – made history becoming the first woman to manage a men’s senior football side playing in England’s top-four divisions

Dingley (pictured) has been replaced by Southampton U23 manager David Horseman  

Dingley – who has a UEFA Pro Licence – became the first woman, albeit temporarily, to lead a mens senior side in one of England’s top-four divisions.

Forest green chairman Dale Vince said: ‘I’m grateful to Hannah for holding the fort for the club while we went through the complete recruitment process and although she did not get the top job this time, it’s undoubtedly been a valuable experience and a big step on her career path.

Horsefield was first-team assistant coach under Ruben Selles towards the end of last season as the Saints suffered Premier League relegation.