O’NEILL: HOLDEN WILL BE GREAT AT POTTERS
STOKE boss Michael O’Neill believes Dean Holden is “an excellent appointment” as the club’s new assistant boss.
Former Bristol City manager Holden, who was sacked in February, has joined the Potters as O’Neill’s right-hand man following the departure of Billy McKinlay.
O’Neill said: “I have no doubts that Dean will be an excellent appointment for us. He knows the Championship well from his time in charge of Bristol City and he’s an outstanding young coach with an excellent track record in developing younger players.
“I feel that is going to be very important to us when you take into account the number of young players we have in our team and around the first-team squad.”
Holden revealed he almost joined Stoke last summer.
The 41-year-old said: “I am really exited to be joining such a big football club with lots of ambition and a fantastic manager, coaching staff and group of players.
“I really just can’t wait to get started, I’m like a kid on Christmas Eve.
“I met up with Michael last summer and spoke about the possibility of joining his coaching team.
“But within a few days I’d been offered the head coach role at Bristol City and Michael agreed that it was too good an opportunity for a young coach to turn down.
“Fortunately, he didn’t hold that against me and when I lost my job six or seven weeks ago, Michael and I had another chat and discussed the possibility of me joining.
“It all moved pretty quickly once Billy lost his job and I’m thrilled to be here now.
“I’ve been made to feel so welcome – it feels like a really family club and there’s a buzz about the place.”