Quiet-man Holden fired up for manager role

SEASON OVER: Jonathan Forte has played his last game for Athletic this term, because of a knee injury.

DEAN Holden has vowed to retain a calm and collected demeanour as he continues his on-the-job interview with Athletic.

The 35 year old was seen at length by the directors this week, along with fellow long-term manager candidates Mark Yates and Paul Ashworth.

Ahead of tomorrow’s test against one of his former clubs, Chesterfield, Holden is keen to further prove his credentials to take the role beyond this summer. He is already examining the possibility of a summer tour and has started to organise pre-season friendlies.

Before that, Athletic have three games left to play. And though some may see a lack of passion in a boss who doesn’t rant and rave when key decisions go against his side, Holden insists that would be a grave mistake.

“It isn’t because I don’t care,” Holden said. “I’m boiling inside. But during the game you can’t get carried away. You can get lost in the emotion. That isn’t me. Though I am raging sometimes, I have to make those decisions then deal with the rest afterwards.”

Holden has had to endure a difficult injuries stint as manager. The latest news is that Jonathan Forte’s knee injury will keep him out for the rest of the season; the same is likely of Joseph Mills’ hamstring problem.

Holden has been impressed with the way his players have responded to adversity - and vowed to continue to give the job his all.

“I will have finished my UEFA Pro Licence soon, so I will be as qualified as anyone, without necessarily being as experienced as some,” Holden added. “I am enjoying it and it has been a great experience. Everyone has pulled together behind the scenes and that is the biggest thing for me.

“With three games to go you would think we were battling at the top or to stay up with the amount of running we put in. That is the one thing we want to keep between now and the end of the season.”