Oldham appoint Dean Holden as manager until the summer
Tuesday 17 March 2015 09:56, UK
Oldham have given caretaker manager Dean Holden a deal until the end of the season.
Holden has been in charge at the League One club since Lee Johnson's departure last month, winning one and losing three of his four games in charge.
Academy manager Tony Philliskirk will assist Holden until the summer, while Adam Lockwood will continue to combine his playing duties with a coaching role.
Oldham are eight points clear of the relegation places and seven behind sixth-placed Barnsley, and Holden is targeting more than survival.
He told the club website: "I'm delighted to accept the role of first-team manager of this fantastic football club until the end of the season. I'm also pleased Tony will be alongside me to add his experience and knowledge of the game as we progress forward.
"I now ask all supporters to get behind the club and players for the remaining 11 games of the season. I firmly believe we have the capabilities of reaching the play-off places this season and with your support, which has been excellent all season, we feel we can reach our targets."
The search for a permanent manager will continue "away from the spotlight", according to chief executive Neil Joy, who said: "It is essential that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that the board of directors appoint the person whom we believe will give us the best chance of achieving our goal of bringing Championship football to the town."
On Holden's appointment he said: "It has been a learning curve for Dean over the past few weeks, and by involving Tony in the mix it provides the added support that Dean needs to have the best chance of succeeding in the role.
"Everyone at the club has been impressed with Dean’s attitude and approach, especially given the crippling injury list he has faced which have made planning and preparation for games almost impossible."
