Dean’s amicable parting

BEST WISHES: Dean Holden hopes John Sheridan can keep Latics in Sky Bet League One.

FORMER Athletic manager Dean Holden is hoping new boss John Sheridan can keep Athletic up this season.

Holden revealed that owner Simon Corney broke the news that he, manager David Dunn and first-team coach Keith Brown were to be replaced by John SHeridan, who used to be his manager at Chesterfield.

“Results weren’t good and no matter how hard we tried, no matter how many hours we worked, they didn’t pick up,” Holden said. “I’m certain we’d have got it right with time, but clubs don’t have time.

“Dunny thought he was going to the owner about bringing players in during the transfer window. He came back five minutes later to say the three of us had been sacked. I get the appeal of Sheridan. I wish him well and hope he can keep Oldham up.”

Now concentrating on finishing his UEFA Pro Licence qualification and forging a career elsewhere, Holden looks back on his second spell with Athletic with fondness.

“I’ve had setbacks in my life before, both professional and personal,” added Holden. “While I wish things could have worked out better, I still cherish some of the memories.”

One from his brief spell as manager stands out: “The platform at Crewe was full of Oldham fans and they saw me and started singing: ‘Dean Holden’s blue and white army!’

“The other passengers were looking at me. At that moment I was the proudest man in the world to be Oldham boss — so thanks for the opportunity.”