Charlton Athletic have not received an approach from Oxford United around potentially appointing Dean Holden as their new manager, according to Richard Cawley.

The South London Press journalist revealed the following update on Twitter this morning.

He wrote: "#cafc have not received an approach from Oxford for Dean Holden."

The news comes after Nick Mashiter tweeted on Sunday evening that the Yellows were planning to target Holden to replace Karl Robinson.

Holden has made an impressive start to management at Charlton in very challenging circumstances, however with the creativity of the U's recruitment in recent years, the suggestion that they would be prioritising Holden as the manager to lead them forward did come as a surprise.

Oxford may still speak to Holden at some stage in their recruitment process, with him previously spoken about in relation to managerial vacancies at Huddersfield Town and Queens Park Rangers, but at this stage of his career given his background the Addicks look like a good fit for Holden.

Part of the reason why links with other jobs are emerging could be because the 43-year-old's contract at The Valley expiring at the end of the season, no progress around a new deal has come to light, which is not a surprise with Thomas Sandgaard actively looking to sell the club.

The Verdict

The Yellows are probably searching for a manager with a proven track record in either competing towards the top end of League One, player development or both.

Holden does not fit that criteria and for that reason a move to Oxford always seemed like a long-shot.

Having said that, an exit of some sort is not and supporters would not begrudge the 43-year-old a move due to the uncertainty around his own future.

Many things seem up in the air at the moment in SE7 and consistent rumbling around the manager's future will only be increasing supporters' anxiety and negativity about the current state of affairs on and off the pitch.