Former Walsall defender Dean Holden takes over at Bristol City
Bristol City have appointed former Walsall defender Dean Holden as their new head coach.
Holden was assistant to former boss Lee Johnson and took caretaker charge of their final five matches of the Championship season.
The 40-year-old will be assisted by former Wolves midfielders Keith Downing and Paul Simpson, who had successful spells coaching England’s youth teams.
Downing – who also played for Blues and Stoke, among others – took caretaker charge of Albion in the 2013/14 season, while Simpson had a loan spell at the Saddlers as a player.
Holden said: “I am honoured to take on the role of head coach – it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I’m excited about this opportunity and I’m delighted that the board have selected me.
“I want to say we will go into every game wanting to win with attacking and exciting football.
“That’s what fans want. I know what it’s like to be a supporter. I love that our supporters care and are so passionate.
“I know what that’s like – it’s important to them and rightly so. I spent all my money as a kid following my team around the country home and away.
“What you see is what you get with me. I’ll be honest with the players, staff and the fans and I’ll graft as hard as I can to bring success to this football club.”
