Holden happy with his lot

GEORGE Elokobi’s future as an Athletic player could be decided today.

DEAN Holden has had four jobs in six months, but is finally looking forward to settling down into his latest role as assistant to new manager Darren Kelly

From being a player with some coaching responsibilities at Walsall, the 35 year old became Oldham’s first team coach under Lee Johnson in November.

Johnson and Tommy Wright left for Barnsley and Holden stepped into the top role until the end of the season. And this week, the former central defender was officially installed as assistant manager.

Decisions are expected to be given today on the future of out-of-contract players George Elokobi, Adam Lockwood, James Dayton, Connor Brown, David Mellor, Rhys Turner, Jordan Bove, Jack Truelove, Jonathan Forte and Amari Morgan-Smith.

Of those, Elokobi, Dayton and Morgan-Smith could be set to depart, while Lockwood may make the move to first-team coach.

Though he didn’t land the top job permanently, Holden is more than content with his new role and hopes his experience in the hot seat will provide useful insight.

“It’s been a whirlwind, going from being a player to coach to manager and now assistant manager in a few months,” Holden said.

“Each role has its own responsibilities and I am really excited about this one. I will be learning off the gaffer, who has been coaching for a long time. He has already said he will take things from me as well.

“Having an idea what is going through his mind, hopefully that will help to make me a better assistant manager.”

Holden and Kelly have spoken daily since they were confirmed as the new men in charge, and a full staff meeting today outlined expectations of the backroom staff.

It also comprised a debrief of the season and the rubber-stamping of a summer programme of friendlies.

“Moving forward, there is the pre-season programme to wrap-up and we will be going through the roles and responsibilities of staff,” Holden said. “The rest of the backroom staff have signed new contracts.

“All managers are different in what they expect and I am sure there will be some new ideas bouncing around.”

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_