Holden: Bunn man for Latics

HAPPY DAYS . . . former Latics wing wizard Rick Holden (left) with Andy Ritchie. Holden believes ex-team-mate Frank Bunn would be an 'ideal' Latics manager

RICK Holden has backed his old team-mate Frank Bunn for the top job at Athletic ­- as well as applying for the manager's position himself.

Club legend Holden (51), who is head coach at the Isle of Man FA, doesn't expect anything to come of his own tilt at the hot-seat.

But he has implored the club to get supporters back onside by putting on exciting, attacking football.

Bunn has been heavily linked with Athletic in the past week and for Holden, his former colleague ticks the right boxes.

"He is ideal, Bunny," Holden said, of the man who is currently coaching Huddersfield Town's Under-21s. "He has a wealth of experience built up from coaching over the years.

"He would have the same attacking approach as I do, as well. He used to thrive off crosses into the box.

"I believe they need to go for a man who has a passion for the club and he has that, too."

RIGHT-HAND MAN

As Andy Ritchie's right-hand man and physio at Barnsley in their promotion season to the Championship a decade ago, Holden had current Tykes manager Paul Heckingbottom under his wing as a player.

And with the Oakwell club going up once again through the play-offs this term, he says that Heckingbottom's attacking style mirrored his own beliefs.

"I have come over to Oldham games over the years, at least once a season, and I have found it hard to watch," Holden added.

"My plan would be to attack. Play with wingers, in an attacking formation, and get the ball into the box.

"That was the philosophy of Joe (Royle) and it was the way we played at Barnsley when I was there with Andy Ritchie.

"I would like to think that Paul Heckingbottom took some of that on as well this season.

"I chatted to him before the play-off final and he asked me a few things about preparation.

"They looked a good side too ­- similar to the one we had with Hecky in.

"Leicester City did it as well. You didn't see them turning down the chance to get the ball into the box."

Holden has not yet had a response to his application for the job and does not realistically expect to be interviewed.

"I would have a go at the job, for sure," he said. "I sent a letter over and it would be interesting to have a chat. But I probably haven't got a cat in hell's chance of getting the job as I will be seen as too much of a loose cannon."

Athletic supporters are being urged to attend a public meeting at the Old Grey Mare on Oldham Road tomorrow, from noon.

TRUST

A Trust Oldham representative is set to be present for a gathering intended to produce ideas on how to move Athletic forward. "It is an open forum and nobody will be talked down," said Mark.

This week, a group of supporters marched to SportsDirect.com Park for a protest against the way the club is being run.

Athletic controversially lost manager John Sheridan to Sky Bet League Two club Notts County last week, a switch that angered many fans.