Holden has makings of a fine manager - Philiskirk

POSITIVE OUTLOOK: Dean Holden has had to deal with a long list of injuries

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DIG below the nice-guy exterior and there’s a highly-determined character and successful manager in the making in Dean Holden, says Athletic academy boss Tony Philliskirk.

Philliskirk has been impressed with what he has seen, both from Holden and player-coach Adam Lockwood recently. The scoreless draw against Chesterfield means with two games of the season left, Holden’s record in his bid for the permanent job as manager is 13 points from 13 games.

That may not sound impressive but for Philliskirk, who has been helping Holden, injuries and illnesses should be taken into account.

“I believe Dean has done an excellent job in the circumstances,” said Phillisirk ahead of Saturday’s trip to Walsall in the penultimate game of the season.

“After Lee Johnson left, he inherited a horrendous injury list. Just as it seemed to be picking up again, we were left with one recognised forward in Rhys Murphy for the Chesterfield game, plus Jordan Bove on the bench. Dean has had to deal with an awful lot of adversity.

“Last Friday he learned that Rhys Turner would be out ill, having worked on the basis he would play.

“Never once has he moaned. He has always got on with it, using the cards he has been dealt in the way he feels is most effective. He’s very well liked in the dressing room and he has a very different demeanour to Lee. The players have responded to him.”

Johnson and his assistant Tommy Wright left for Barnsley two months ago and Philliskirk says since then, all the staff have taken on extra responsibilities, including kit man Steve Cross, physio Craig Schofield and performance analyst Tom Hart.

“I wouldn’t underestimate how difficult a situation it was when Dean was asked to take over,” Philliskirk added. “Injuries and a lack of availability of players would have tested any manager, from Lee to Jose Mourinho.

“I think he deserves more credit than he has received. I see what is happening here — I have seen my share of managers in my time — and I am impressed.”

Athletic’s hunt for a new manager goes on. One more point from the final two games would better last year’s tally and give the club its best League One total since the 2008-09 season.



twitter: @Matt_Chambers_