Dean Holden appears to have almost unanimously won over the Charlton Athletic supporter base after just five league games in charge.

The 43-year-old is taking on his first senior managerial role where he was not previously at the club under another manager, on a contract running until the end of the season.

The Addicks' small relegation fears have diminished considerably with three wins on the bounce in League One, and they host Bolton Wanderers live on Sky Sports on Saturday.

Holden touched on people who have influenced his approach to management and revealed the helping hand that Steve Cooper, manager of Nottingham Forest, has leant him in the last month or so.

Holden explained how this came about when he spoke to the South London Press.

He said: "Steve Cooper, ever since I got this job, has been very good with his support but also spotting situations – being open and honest with his advice.

"I just got to know him.

"I got in touch with him at Swansea, he’d just left England.

"I liked the way he was working.

"I went to see him at Forest, prior to coming here.

"It was the first time I’d met him.

"He’s not my best mate, or anything like that, but he’s good to get advice off.

"He took over at Forest where after seven or eight games they had not won a game.

"I took over at Christmas, so slightly different situations.

"Caretaker Steven Reid was in charge and they (Forest) beat Huddersfield.

"He took over on the Monday after a good win - even though the previous manager had been sacked.

"He gave good advice because I came in after the Brighton game, which was a positive night for the club.

"He was good at giving me a steer on those first few days, get that leadership group together and get in all the players individually.

"I spent some good time with them individually.

"Not all in here, because a lot don’t want to come in the gaffer’s office.

"Sometimes it can be a bit too official.

"Just walking around the training ground for a stroll or take them upstairs for a cup of tea.

"Just try to fast-track that relationship building, which is not easy.

"That’s why I have to be quite vulnerable with them, to make it a safe and open environment.

"I’m being so open about my journey that I’m getting that back from the players.

"We ain’t got any time to waste.

"We’ve not got a week’s trip to Spain.

"That’s where the time is being spent, away from the training sessions."

Individual player management feels more important than ever these days, with this generation of players potentially requiring further guidance and a more personal approach on a weekly basis.

The Verdict

 

 

Holden has conducted a lot of relevant work experience for his role as Charlton manager, and that hard work is starting to bear fruit in results on the pitch.

It is important to remember that it has only been five league games, but Holden seems to have achieved remarkable levels of buy-in from the squad and supporters.

Off-field developments may play a part in how long it takes for Holden to receive a new contract and a lot remains unknown about the activities upstairs in SE7, but in the short term, supporters are onside and the Addicks will be hoping to consolidate a top half position in the coming months.