Holden named Oldham coach

Former Walsall player-coach Dean Holden has been named as Oldham's new first-team coach.

The former Latics defender has been appointed by boss Lee Johnson - replacing new Hartlepool manager Paul Murray - after he left his position at Walsall. Holden had been player-coach at the Banks's Stadium since 2013 and had made 34 appearances for the Saddlers after signing in 2012. Walsall boss Dean Smith saidt: "It is a big loss for us and we told him that. Life moves on and we wish him well. He is a really good person to have about and he will be missed. "But for the progression of this club having a 35-year-old centre-half in the team is not progression and I told Dean that and he sees that as well. "We sat down and had a really good chat about it and I wanted it to be his decision not mine, I've been in a similar situation myself. I was still playing at Port Vale and got offered the youth team job at Leyton Orient. I took the decision to hang my boots up because I wanted to get on the rung of coaching. "Not many opportunities come around, there are only so many assistant manager jobs and first team jobs available. It was very important for him." Holden, who started his career at Bolton, made 125 appearances for Oldham between 2001 and 2005 before joining Peterborough. Latics boss Johnson, who lost former first team coach Murray to Hartlepool, told the club's official site: "I'm delighted to have Dean on board as it is a great opportunity to coach at a club like Oldham. "Dean is a fully qualified A-licenced coach and he is ready for the challenge. But, more importantly, he is a fantastic guy and I am looking forward to working with him."