Ex-Prem ace calls Forest Green chief 'attention-seeking moron' for female boss 'PR stunt'

Gabriel Agbonlahor has slammed Forest Green Rovers' chief as an 'attention-seeking moron' after Hannah Dingley's historic reign came to an end on Monday afternoon

Ex-Premier League star Gabriel Agbonlahor has slammed Forest Green Rovers appointing Hannah Dingley on an interim basis as nothing more than a PR stunt.

Dingley made history earlier this month, when she was the first female coach to be appointed at the helm of a professional team in England. However, Dingley wasn't handed the full-time deal, causing Agbonlahor to slam the League Two side.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: "I feel, if I am being brutally honest, that the chairman of Forest Green is an attention-seeking moron. I feel that he loved the limelight, it was obviously a PR stunt. He was never going to give her the job.

"It was just a PR stunt, give her a couple of weeks. Sort of like an overnight job, and then bring in someone that he was probably looking at from the start.

READ MORE: Hannah Dingley's historic spell already over as Forest Green announce new head coach

"I didn't like it because I wanted her to get at least 10 games and give her a good go at it. Not like 'okay, you are going to be interim manager. The season is about to start, let me change that'. I think that just sums him up, to be honest."

Dingley was already at the club when Duncan Ferguson left Forest Green Rovers earlier this month, and she had spent four years as their academy coach. She stepped up to assume the caretaker manager role, and is now expected to return to her former job at the Gloucestershire club.

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On Monday, Forest Green announced Southampton B team coach David Horseman has taken over the League Two side as they head into the new season.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince, who also appointed Dingley, said: "We're delighted to have David join as our head coach, he brings a wealth of experience and a modern approach to the game which matches our own - and he very much stood out from over 100 applicants for the role.

"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.

"We're also pleased to welcome Louis to the team as David's assistant."