Exeter boss outlines where Dean Holden has ‘dramatically improved’ Charlton Athletic

Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell says Dean Holden has dramatically improved Charlton Athletic’s results since he took over from Ben Garner.

The Addicks beat Exeter 4-2 at the reverse fixture at The Valley back in October. 

Miles Leaburn opened the scoring for the South Londoners in the 20th minute, with Exeter defender Alex Hartridge scoring an own goal four minutes later to put Charlton 2-0 up.

Fulham loanee Jay Stansfield pulled one back for the visitors in the 37th minute, but two late goals from Chuks Aneke and Jack Payne wrapped up all three points for Charlton. Sam Nombe bagged late for Exeter in second-half added time.

The Addicks have only lost two League One outings since Holden took charge for the first time in the 1-1 draw with Peterborough on Boxing Day.

“It will be a difficult game,” said the former Wigan and Celtic centre-back.

“I know Dean really well and he has made a big impact since he went in there.

“Their results have improved dramatically since his arrival, so we have to be prepared for that.

“They’re quite a similar team to Milton Keynes – they play 4,4,3, but they’re a little bit more direct.

“They play in the right areas, and they have wide men who are dangerous.

“We have to be prepared out of possession to stop that. In possession, we have to be as good as we can be on the front foot.”