‘I’ll be honest’ – Dean Holden opens up on Charlton Athletic sacking
Dean Holden has admitted that he swiftly overcame the disappointment of being sacked by Charlton Athletic just five games into the new season.
The 44-year-old was relieved of his duties following the 2-1 defeat at now league-leaders Oxford in August.
Holden was appointed in December 2022 and was the choice of the new ownership group, who eventually completed their takeover of the club in July 2023.
The former Bristol City boss took charge of Charlton 32 times, winning 12 and losing 15.
“It was difficult in one sense,” Holden told Sky Sports. “When you lose your job initially, it’s obviously a very difficult period.
“It was over the August Bank Holiday weekend – five games into the season. We won the first game and lost the next four by the odd goal. It’s difficult circumstances because it doesn’t just affect me, but all the family.
“I got over it pretty quickly – I’ll be honest. My private life has had some tough challenges – I have learned how to navigate this path.
“My wife always says: ‘If you want a nine to five, a boring job and no highs or lows, then go and do that’ and I certainly don’t want to do that. I digested it.
“In the first couple of weeks, I was going through the process from when I got the job at Christmas at Charlton – I was pretty much embedded in that for eight months.
“I have to say I loved every minute of it – what a wonderful football club. We were on to something really special and it was a shame it ended.”
PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS
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