Charlton manager Dean Holden on making post-match pub visit after Sheffield Wednesday match
Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden made a visit to a local pub after their League One match against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
The Addicks boss put money behind the bar of The Royal Oak, just down the road from The Valley, before the fixture and then popped into the boozer afterwards.
South London Press reporter Louis Mendez was in the establishment following Charlton’s 1-0 defeat and tweeted about Holden’s appearance.
Dean Holden is buying a few drinks in the Oak #cafc pic.twitter.com/x0eIc1h9bl
— Louis Mendez (@LouisMend) February 25, 2023
“I’ve got to be careful I don’t get a reputation of always being in the pub,” quipped Holden in today’s press conference previewing tomorrow night’s match at Peterborough United. “I’ve done it before, in terms of mixing with supporters. I think it’s really important.
“I’d been there before with my dad, wife and brother. This time my two boys had come down for the Wembley game (Manchester United’s EFL Cup final) and I wanted them to get a feel for what it’s like to get a connection with the fans.
“There is always an incredible amount of shock on the fans’ faces when they see me appear. Even on the train back from Exeter [fans said] ‘why aren’t you sat in first class?’ What am I doing coming in the local pub? I’m just a normal fella who is lucky enough to be a football manager. I wanted to go and thank them for their support.
“It’s an easy one to go in after the Brighton game. It was my first day in the job and clearly there was a lot of happiness around after the result. Sometimes you’ve got to front it up after a defeat as well and go and mix with guys, just to get a steer about how they are feeling and let them voice some of their concerns. I’m the man on the ground at the moment, in terms of that connection between the club and the fanbase.
“We’re trying to move this club forward and anything I can do to help that – the more information we’ve got, the better.”
MAIN PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS
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