Ex-Bristol City boss touted for Premier League job - also favourite at Charlton

Former Bristol City head coach Dean Holden has been linked with a coaching vacancy at a Premier League club. The former Robins boss is a wanted man with three clubs linked.

Holden has been out of work since early September having been relieved of his duties as assistant manager of Stoke City. He held the post as caretaker manager after the sacking of Michael O’Neill, but was his service were no longer required after the appointment of Sunderland boss Alex Neil.

The 43-year-old has had his name associated with numerous vacancies across the Championship and League One, but has so far missed out on other candidates. He was most recently linked with the post at Charlton Athletic following the sacking of former Bristol Rovers head coach Ben Garner.

Holden however could be set for a post at a top flight club according to the Daily Mail. They report that Holden has spoken to Brentford about the possibility of joining Thomas Frank’s backroom staff as assistant manager.

The Bees are on the search for a replacement for Brian Riemer who left to become head coach at Belgian giants Anderlecht. They could face competition however from promotion hopefuls Sheffield United, who apparently want him in as a defensive coach.

Holden has reportedly held talks with both Brentford and the Blades about taking up a respective post at their club. The recent vacancy at Charlton however could change that, Holden is by far the favourite for the post.

If Holden were to take the job at Charlton, it would be the first full-time management role since his sacking by Bristol City in February 2021. Holden worked as an assistant coach to Lee Johnson, and later succeeded him in 2020, but was relieved of his duties.