Dean Holden Approached by Championship Club After Turning Down Turkey Move

Hull City is close to appointing Dean Holden as their new assistant manager following his decision to decline an opportunity to manage Adana Demirspor in Turkey. Holden, who previously worked as Steven Gerrard’s assistant, is in advanced negotiations to join the Championship side.

The 45-year-old has had coaching roles at several clubs, including Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq and Turkey. He has received offers from clubs in England and the United States but is set to join Hull City, where he is expected to serve as Sergej Jakirovic’s assistant.

Holden’s playing career spanned 16 years, during which he made 369 league appearances for teams such as Bolton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic, and Peterborough before retiring at Walsall in 2014. He began coaching at Oldham, briefly managing the club in 2015, before becoming assistant manager at Bristol City and later taking the top job in 2020. After leaving Bristol City in early 2021, he joined Stoke City’s coaching staff and served as caretaker manager for a short period.

He recently joined Gerrard at Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where Gerrard expressed that Holden learned a great deal under his guidance, describing the experience as equivalent to five years of learning in just one year.

Holden’s decision to accept Hull City reflects his desire to return to English football after gaining valuable international experience. His coaching career highlights a steady progression through various roles, showcasing his growing reputation as a manager-in-waiting.

Holden previously worked alongside Gerrard during their time in Saudi Arabia.

He recently declined an offer to manage Turkish side Adana Demirspor, choosing instead to pursue his future in England.