Bristol Rovers have held talks with Dean Holden as a potential candidate for their vacant managerial position, according to Bristol Live.
Following the departure of Joey Barton last week, the League One club are searching for their new gaffer as they look to recover from their indifferent start to the season. They did pick up a win over Northampton Town at the weekend to move up to 13th, but the play-offs remain the aim and they are currently seven points behind sixth-placed Stevenage.
It is claimed that the Gas are looking to move quickly, with so many other clubs in the division – as well as League Two – currently on the prowl for a new manager. It was reported yesterday that Bradford City are to offer Holden the chance to succeed Mark Hughes this week amid interest from league rivals Gillingham, but the Bantams will be rocked by this latest news.
Bristol Live state that the 44-year-old – who also managed rivals Bristol City – has held initial talks with Rovers. However, he is one of a number of candidates currently being explored.
Holden has been out of a job since departing Charlton Athletic in August, where he became the first manager in the EFL to be sacked. The Addicks started the season as one of the favourites for promotion, but endured a nightmare start to the campaign with just one win from their opening six fixtures in all competitions.
Although the Pirates are exploring other options, they will have to act quick if they wish to make their interest in the former Stoke City coach concrete, whilst this news could speed up Bradford’s decision.
Writer’s View
A number of teams have expressed an interest in Dean Holden, which shows his reputation has remain intact despite being sacked by Charlton in August. It is an appointment that would make sense for Bristol Rovers, with the former defender having managed their cross-city rivals, and he will be familiar with the area.
It’s a situation to watch closely, especially with an unusually high number of teams currently managerless. Holden has no doubt been busy these last few weeks talking to various clubs, and it seems only a matter of time before he finds himself back in the game.
