Ex-Walsall defender to assist Jon Whitney...
Walsall Football Club can confirm that former player Dean Holden has returned to the club as coach.The 36-year-old will assist head coach Jon Whitney, while working alongside fellow coaches Neil Cutler and John Ward.
The former centre-back scored two goals in 34 league and cup matches for the Saddlers between 2012 and 2014.
Towards the tail end of his Walsall career, Holden also held the title of Professional Development Coach, a position now held by Ward.
The former Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United and Chesterfield defender left the Banks’s Stadium in November 2014 to take up the role of first-team coach at Oldham Athletic.
During his time at Boundary Park, he also enjoyed a spell as caretaker manager and worked as assistant boss to David Dunn.
Holden said: “To say I’m happy to be back here would be an understatement.
“It’s been an interesting time since I was last here. I went to Oldham as first-team coach and quickly became interim manager and then I was assistant manager up to about six weeks ago.
“It was a fantastic experience for a young coach like myself and I’m coming back a much more experienced coach.
“I’ve settled in nicely with the staff and I know how this club works. Everyone’s been really welcoming and it’s simply about coming in and trying to add whatever I can to help us get over the line.”
Whitney added: “Dean brings experience and has the same philosophy, traits and work ethic that I have.
“I know him from when he was a player here, and as soon as this position became available, I earmarked Dean as someone who could possibly help me out.
“The most important thing for me, whether they’re a player or a staff member, is that they fit in with the group – and Dean has fit straight in.
“It’s a great appointment for us.”