Dean Thomas John Holden (born 15 September 1979) is an English manager who is the manager of League One club Charlton Athletic. During a career which began at Bolton Wanderers in 1998 and ended with a two-year stint at Walsall from 2012 to 2014, Holden was a defender who was comfortable playing at right-back and centre-back. Over that sixteen-year period, he amassed 369 league appearances, representing ten clubs and scoring 22 goals. He moved in to coaching with Oldham Athletic in November 2014 and spent time as manager from February 2015 until May 2015. Holden joined Bristol City in November 2016 as assistant manager to Lee Johnson. Following Johnson's departure on 4 July 2020, Holden was placed in caretaker charge before being given the role on a permanent basis. He was sacked by Bristol City in February 2021. In April 2021, Holden joined Stoke City as assistant manager. Club career Born in Swinton, Greater Manchester, Holden started his career with Bolton Wanderers where he made 13 league appearances and scored once against Sheffield United, before moving on to Oldham Athletic after a successful loan period. After over 100 first-team appearances for Oldham he joined Peterborough United in 2005. He was made captain but, with his contract close to expiry, he was transferred to Falkirk on 1 January 2007 for an undisclosed fee. On 27 January 2008, Holden suffered a broken leg, after a late tackle by Celtic's Stephen McManus, during Falkirk's 1–0 home defeat, leaving him out of action until October. Holden signed a two-year contract with Shrewsbury Town on 26 June 2009. On 5 August 2010 Holden signed on loan at Rotherham United, initially for only one month but this was extended twice until he was recalled early by Shrewsbury on 20 October. On 31 January 2011, Holden had his contract cancelled by mutual agreement and he became a free agent. Chesterfield signed Holden on 3 February 2011 in a short-term contract until the end of the season. Holden then signed a new one-year deal with Chesterfield on 18 May 2011. On 3 November 2011, Holden joined Rochdale on loan until January 2012. In January 2012, Holden made his loan switch permanent on a six-month contract. In May 2012, Holden was released from Rochdale after being told his contract would not be renewed. On 16 July 2012, Dean Holden signed a one-year deal at League One side Walsall. International