Former Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden is reportedly interested in the vacant Bradford City job following the departure of Mark Hughes earlier in the week, according to the Telegraph and Argus.
The Addicks parted company with Holden in August, the first manager to lose his job in the EFL this season. The 43-year-old had been in charge at The Valley since December 2022 taking over from now Colchester United boss Ben Garner, however left with the club sat 19th in the table having not won since the opening day of the season against Leyton Orient. He has been out of work since and is now reportedly interested in the Bantams’ top job.
Mark Hughes was dismissed earlier in the week after failing to kick on from their play-off defeat last season to accumulate just 13 points from the opening 11 games of the season leaving the club languishing in 18th place closer in points to 24th place Sutton United than leaders Notts County. Pressure had been mounting after a string of poor results and a style of play that some fans criticised heavily leading the club to make the difficult decision, shortly before fellow League Two side Gillingham followed suit. Many names have been linked so far with former Lincoln City boss Danny Cowley, Leam Richardson, David Artell and Mike Williamson all touted at this early stage of the process. Now the former Charlton boss has thrown his name into the hat according to the Telegraph and Argus as he looks to return to management quickly.
Writer’s View
Bradford need results and they need them now. Not only that but they also need a manager that will embody the club and bring the angry and disappointed fans back on side following what has been a difficult period following the play-off defeat. Holden did definitely have his fans in the Addicks supporter base but whether he can bring the immediate success needed remains to be seen. Personally, Danny Cowley appears to suit the club and has the ability to embrace a fanbase and an area and has success at this level both in cups and the league.