Bradford City could miss out on one of their top managerial targets as former Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden reportedly holds talks with League One side Bristol Rovers, according to The Bristol Post.
Dean Holden has been widely reported as one of the top candidates for the vacant Bradford City role, following the sacking of Mark Hughes earlier in the season. However, they could miss out as Bristol Rovers open talks with the 44-year-old as a potential candidate for their own vacant managerial position, previously occupied by Joey Barton.
It could be a controversial appointment due to his links to cross-city rivals Bristol City, having been assistant manager to Lee Johnson from 2016 to 2020 before replacing the current Fleetwood Town manager at the helm for seven months in 2020.
Holden was appointed manager of League One side Charlton Athletic as part of a proposed takeover attempt, which bllighted much of his time at The Valley. However, the Addicks parted company in August following a poor start to the season replacing him with former Blackpool and Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton.
Danny Cowley still tops the bookmakers odds alongside; Holden, Kevin McDonald and Graham Alexander with rumours swirling on social media that Aidy Boothroyd could be set to land the top job.
Writer’s View
Kevin McDonald has now been interim manager for 27 days, with no appointment yet, the League Two side face increasing competition as more and more sides sack their managers and compete for a limited pool of candidates. Danny Cowley was one of the favourites, but then his former club Lincoln City entered the race, League One sides are competing, fellow promotion hopefuls Gillingham look set to appoint a new manager soon.
The pool is getting smaller and more and more fishermen are turning up. They need to make an appointment soon or they may be looking through what’s left.