‘Bring it on’ – Charlton Athletic boss Holden “comes alive” when the chips are down

Dean Holden says that he “comes alive” when adversity hits – and says there is “no blame” for Charlton Athletic not recruiting more players by this point of the transfer window.

The Addicks are 18th in the League One table after their 3-2 defeat to Port Vale today.

Charlton have made six signings including paying fees for Alfie May and Terry Taylor.

“We’ve got our targets” said Holden. “Andy Scott (technical director) and the recruitment team will be dealing with them type of things.

“My focus is on the group of players we’ve got.

“I thrive in these situations. It’s not difficult at all. The fans won’t be happy – they’ve seen a team that has lost four on the spin, albeit the Newport one we made 10 changes.

“Nobody is going to be happy at the moment. My job is to keep everyone together and keep pushing the standards – to go and get a result at Oxford.

“I have to say throughout my career and my life, personal situations, moments like this is where I like to think I come alive. So, bring it on.

“It’s not easy to get deals done. There is a certain profile of player we’re chasing at the moment and there aren’t many of them out there. Most of the same clubs in the Championship and League One are chasing these same players. There is no blame going anywhere.

“We’re working as hard as we can. Of course we’d like to have more players in but, at the same time, it’s important we keep going. We’ve got a period of time in the transfer window. What’s most important is what we look like at the end of the transfer window, making sure we have got a squad that can really attack the rest of this League One season.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS