Former Bristol City boss ‘targeted’ by League One side looking to ‘take advantage’ of Charlton Athletic doubts

Former Bristol City boss Dean Holden is attracting interest from Oxford United after an impressive few months in charge of Charlton Athletic, according to Mail Online. The U’s dismissed Karl Robinson from his managerial role after their 3-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers.

Holden joined Charlton Athletic in December after a brief spell as Stoke City’s caretaker manager and has led them to five wins, two draws and seven defeats since his arrival. The 43-year-old is seen as a promising young coach who has done well at a club that has had issues off the pitch and the Addicks are now eager to offer him a new contract to extend his stay at The Valley.

However, on going problems regarding Charlton’s ownership has made negotiations tough as focus remains elsewhere. The club’s owner Thomas Sandgaard has revealed he has handed Holden a new deal, however he is currently contending a potential legal threat from Charlie Methven whose reported takeover collapsed in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Oxford are eager to take advantage of their current situation and have identified Holden as one of their main targets as they look to replace Robinson. The former defender’s current stint at The Valley is only his third managerial job, having previously spent six months in charge at Bristol City. Holden joined the Robins as Lee Johnson’s assistant in 2016 before he replaced him four years later. He was later sacked after a run of six successive defeats, with the club placed 13th in the Championship.

With only a matter of months remaining on his contract with The Addicks, it is unclear where Holden will be next season. With United currently sat only four points above the relegation zone, it could also depend on which league they are in. However, Charlton could also find themselves in trouble in the near future if they can’t keep hold of their head coach.