Dean Holden says he has benefited from experience at Bristol City despite sacking

Dean Holden says his experience at Bristol City has made him into a better assistant manager as he makes his return to Ashton Gate

A year ago, Holden would have been in the home dugout leading the Robins, now he is hoping to plot their downfall on Wednesday as Michael O’Neill’s number two.

Before being appointed as City boss, there was an opportunity for him to link up with the Potters manager before but instead he succeeded Lee Johnson following a successful interim period.

Appearing on BBC Bristol’s Sound of the City, Holden said: “I’ll be a better assistant manager having walked in those shoes, hopefully bringing a bit of that to Stoke City - a fantastic club which I’m at now.

“I’m at a club where I love working. I’m looking forward to going back to my second home to be honest.

“The fans were amazing from the minute I walked in the door in November 2016 until I left. It will be a nice moment to have my family there and maybe a chance to get a bit of closure as well.”

Holden, who joined the club as assistant manager to Johnson, put praise on his current manager for welcoming him to the bet365 Stadium.

The 42-year-old, who also could have become assistant to Rob Page with Wales, had recently been axed by Bristol.

Rather than wait for more number one opportunities and the chance to become the head of a football club, he reverted back to a role which has so far treated him well.

“I had a decision to make when I got sacked. Was I going to stay and become a manager and go into interviews for jobs? Or was I going to see what came my way.

“I had the opportunity to go with Michael the year before and then I got offered the Bristol job.

“Credit to Michael, there are not many people who did what he did, which is bring in an ex-manager, even though I was only a novice as a number two.

“You don’t often see that in football, sometimes people think If I had a bad time he might take my job off me kind of thing. Michael is true to his word, he has no ego and lets me get on with the coaching and we’re enjoying the ride.

“It’s a really good experience, he’s been at the top level internationally and I’ve learned so much in the brief spell that I have been there.”

Leaving Ashton Gate with a better win percentage than his successor, predecessor and Steve Cotterill, Holden put in the foundations for Nigel Pearson’s squad today.

Joe Williams, who could line up against Holden, was signed from Wigan Athletic last summer, but never got to play under the man who signed him.

The 24-year-old though has now navigated past a difficult spell and started on Saturday in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

Whilst there is a bit of regret that he never got to utilise him during his time as manager, the UEFA Pro Licence holder is hopeful that he can succeed in B36.

“I never got a chance to see him unfortunately. He was an exciting signing and hopefully supporters will get to see the best of Joe,” Holden said.

“He’s a great guy, a real point to prove and a guy that loves playing football. The way he plays the fans can definitely relate to it.

“It is brilliant to see him back fit, hopefully he stays fit, gets a run in the team and shows what he’s all about.”

As well as Joe Williams, there were younger players who have now integrated as part of Pearson’s squad.

Ayman Benarous was another player who started on Saturday, the 18-year-old made his first outing against Barnsley and then made his first start on the weekend.

Meanwhile Alex Scott and midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson are also two youngsters who have made an impact in the team.

Their former manager has put that credit down to making an environment which allowed for younger players to make the step into Championship football.

Holden said: “The environment we created at the football club, you don’t need me to tell you but the players and more importantly the staff around the scenes were looking forward to coming in to work every day.

“We had some really good moments and some fantastic times.

“We have seen it with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, you don’t have to be a guy or lady that scares everybody all the time. It’s about creating an environment where people learn, which I’m really proud about.

“On Wednesday, we’ll see the likes of Ayman Benarous, Alex Scott and some of the other youngsters as well. I mean Tyreeq Bakinson came from nowhere in pre-season.”