‘The only bit I have not enjoyed’ – Dean Holden on start to life as Charlton boss

Dean Holden says he is “loving every minute” of being Charlton Athletic boss – but admitted the only bit he did not enjoy was the first half away at Oxford United.

The former Bristol City boss and Stoke City caretaker manager replaced Ben Garner at The Valley.

Charlton have ended their seven-game winless run in League One since Holden took permanent charge of the club, with the Addicks moving up to 12th in the League One table after back-to-back wins in the third tier.

The South Londoners’ only defeat under Holden came away to Karl Robinson’s Oxford United, with two goals in the first half, seeing Charlton eventually fall to a 3-1 defeat.

“I’m loving every minute of it,” said Holden of his start to life as Addicks boss.

“The only bit I have not enjoyed is the 45 minutes at Oxford.

“That was a tough watch, and we had some work to do on the back of that.

“But the reaction from the players in that short period of time has been excellent.

“I have not brought in an army of staff. I have come in on my own and had a look at what is already here.

“There is so much good at this training ground. I have really settled in so quickly. There are great people down here. It’s similar to where I’m from – normal guys who are hard-working, working class and love their football.

“It’s a pleasure to come in every day. You can see the training ground is starting to bubble that little bit more.

“The backroom staff are starting to enjoy themselves – everybody feels valued.

“That was a big thing when I came in – I wanted to make sure that everybody felt respected.

“We have got that feeling at the moment. It helps when you win games of football, so long may that continue.”