Dean Holden returns to coach at Walsall

Walsall have bolstered their coaching set-up with the return of Dean Holden to the club.

The 36-year-old played 34 games for the Saddlers between 2012 and 2014 and was also the club's development coach before leaving to become assistant boss at Oldham.

Having left the Latics earlier this year, Holden has now come back to the Banks's to become part of interim boss Jon Whitney's coaching set-up.

"To say I'm happy to be back here would be an understatement," he said.

"It's been an interesting time since I was last here. I went to Oldham as first-team coach and quickly became interim manager and then I was assistant manager up to when I left about six weeks ago.

"It was a fantastic experience for a young coach like myself and I'm coming back a much more experienced coach.

"I've settled in nicely with the staff and I know how this club works. Everyone's been really welcoming and it's simply about coming in and trying to add whatever I can to help us get over the line."

Whitney added: "Dean brings experience and has the same philosophy, traits and work ethic that I have.

"I know him from when he was a player here, and as soon as this position became available, I earmarked Dean as someone who could possibly help me out.

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"The most important thing for me, whether they're a player or a staff member, is that they fit in with the group – and Dean has fit straight in. It's a great appointment for us."

Holden's return followed yesterday's loan signing of Everton defender Matthew Pennington until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old, who can play either at right-back or in the centre of defence, agreed to the switch just hours before the close of the emergency loan window.