A FOREST GREEN trailblazer is leaving the club after landing a new role. 

FGR'S academy manager Hannah Dingley will leave the League Two Side and become the Head of Women's and Girls Football at the Football Association of Ireland.

Dingley - who spent five years at the club - last year became the first woman to take charge of an English Football League club, when she oversaw a Forest Green game during pre-season.  

Speaking to the club's website, 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.”

Chairman Dale Vince added: "Hannah is a diamond.

"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."