Hannah Dingley’s reign as the only female manager in England’s top four leagues comes to an end, with the replacement of Forest Green Rovers’ interim boss by Southampton U23 manager 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 manager David Horseman as its new head coach.

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

Dingley will lead the team into their upcoming pre-season matches against Coventry and Everton U21 before handing over the reins to Horseman and his assistant Louis Carey.

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

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

Dingley, who replaced Duncan Ferguson (right), made history by becoming the first woman to manage a senior men’s soccer team playing in all four of England’s top divisions.

Dingley (pictured) has been replaced by Southampton U23 manager David Horseman.

Dingley, who holds a professional license from UEFA, became the first woman, albeit temporarily, to manage a senior men’s team in one of England’s top four divisions.

Forest Green Chairman Dale Vince said: “I’m grateful to Hannah for keeping the fort going for the club as we went through the full recruitment process and while she didn’t get the top job this time around, it’s certainly been a valuable experience and a big step in his professional career.

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