Charlton Athletic boss Holden answers question about backroom coaching set up

Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden is still weighing up the right time to add to his coaching team.

Assistant coach Scott Marshall quit the Addicks at the start of this month to join Ben Garner at Colchester United.

Holden still has Anthony Hayes in his coaching set-up. The Irishman did have a spell in caretaker charge alongside Jason Pearce before Holden was appointed in December – his last match at the helm the thrilling penalty shootout win over Brighton in the EFL Cup.

Holden signed a three-year contract extension on Saturday.

“I had this chat the other day with Hayesy,” said Holden, when asked by the South London Press about his plans for replacing Marshall.

“It was a case of me coming in and seeing what staff were at the fooball club, which I’ve had the opportunity to do. I was never going to come and bring a load of staff with me, that’s not the right thing to do.

“Scott’s now moved on. Ben Garner rang me and asked if we would allow him to leave. Scotty wanted to go. That allows us the opportunity to then replace Scotty.

“For the next period of weeks we’re going to see how that works with me and Hayesy, and one or two of the other guys around the training ground, and make a final decision in the next few weeks – whether we do anything before the end of the season or in the summer. There are some guys out there that I’d be keen to bring in if that was the case.

“I’ve still not made my final decision yet. Me and Hayesy have now been able to work even more closely together. I’m a manager that likes to get out on the grass. I’m not a manager who stands on the side and allows the coaches to do everything.

“Hayesy has got big responsibility and he is an excellent young coach. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s worked. He’s honest. Every time I ask him it is honest answers. He doesn’t just say stuff to agree with me. He’s not a yes man, far from it. He challenges me, which is what I want from him.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD