Dean Holden: Oldham Athletic bring back Walsall man as coach

Dean Holden played for Oldham Athletic between 2001 and 2005

Dean Holden has left Walsall to join former club Oldham Athletic as first-team coach.

The 35-year-old made 125 appearances for the Latics over four years.

Holden, who moved to the Saddlers in 2012, signed a new deal a year later which also covered his development coaching responsibilities.

"Dean is somebody I've known for a while and is very enthusiastic and hungry," Oldham boss Lee Johnson told BBC Radio Manchester.

"People at the club know him and he knows the club, knows the division and that can only be an asset to a club like ours.

"It's a real opportunity for Dean to stamp his coaching philosophy and what he's going to be like as a first-team coach."

The Latics were looking for a new first-team coach after Paul Murray left to become Hartlepool manager.

"Opportunities like this don't come along that often, so we weren't going to stand in his way," Walsall manager Dean Smith told BBC WM.

"I hope he has enjoyed his first taste of coaching with us and and that it stands him in good stead. During his time here he's shown what a fantastic professional he is. He's been a great person to have around."