Holden delighted to sign new Charlton deal – but admits club still needs certainty around ownership

Dean Holden says he is “delighted” to have secured his long-term future at The Valley but admits there still needs to be certainty around Charlton Athletic’s ownership.

The former Bristol City manager originally arrived in December on a deal until the end of the season but has now agreed terms until 2026. He was brought in at the same time as three other senior appointments linked to Charlie Methven’s attempted takeover of the club.

That sale fell through and had left Holden’s future up in the air. Current owner Thomas Sandgaard is in new talks with American businessman Marc Spiegel but that has not prevented Holden from putting pen to paper.

“I‘m delighted,” said the Addicks manager following today’s 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley.

“I came here on a short-term contract with a specific job to do – which we’re still trying to do. We’re not away from that danger zone. We had such a good run at the beginning and we were looking over our shoulder at the play-offs. In recent weeks we’ve struggled to pick up enough points. We know we’ve still got work to do for this season. We’ve got to get the balance right between looking towards the future and securing our League One status. That’s the biggest thing.

“From a planning point of view, we can start to get our teeth into getting this club back to where it needs to get to. It’s spent too much time at this level and it’s been a disappointing season. It’s my job to make sure in the future we get it right.

“I’ve spoken to Thomas regularly,” added Holden when asked what assurances he has been given about the future in SE7.

“Steve Gallen is on site with Martin. Peter Storrie (CEO) has replaced Jim Rodwell. I had a close relationship with Jim and Andy Scott. They’ve departed and I’m now building a relationship with Peter. I’ve had some good conversations, particularly with Peter and Thomas, about what this club looks like from next season onwards. Hopefully it’s a really exciting time for us.

“It’s absolutely clear to see. Where this club is at, in terms of size of fanbase and the club, we need to show some certainty around the ownership and what that looks like. Get the fans excited again. It’s difficult on the pitch when there’s question marks over the whole club. There’s loads of work to do. Even when we were winning when I first came in, I was well aware of where this club is and where it needs to get to. That’s not changed.”

PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS