Former Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden is reportedly in contention for the Bradford City vacancy.
After leading the Bantams to the League Two play-offs the previous season and losing to Carlisle United in the semi-finals, Hughes was fired this month after the team finished 18th in the standings after a 2-1 loss to Tranmere Rovers.
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After Hughes was fired, midfielder Kevin McDonald was named temporary manager. In his four games in command, the 34-year-old won three and drew one, but on Tuesday night, his team lost 4-1 at MK Dons.
The Scotsman said that he would like to go into management eventually, but he has been vague about whether he is eager to get the permanent position.
Bradford are said to be interested in Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell, while former Oxford United boss and Leeds United assistant Karl Robinson has reportedly rejected the chance to speak with the Bantams.
Ex-Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley has expressed an interest in the position, and iNews claimed on Wednesday that Dean Holden, who has been out of work since being sacked by Charlton Athletic in August, is one name under consideration.
It remains to be seen whether the defeat against the Dons will speed up the club’s managerial search, with the Bantams currently 15th in the table, five points from the play-off places.
Would Dean Holden be a good appointment for Bradford City?
Holden would be an intriguing appointment for Bradford, and should he land the job at the University of Bradford Stadium, it could be make or break for his managerial career in the EFL.
According to iNews, Holden “can point to some excellent references” from former club Charlton as he looks to convince the Bantams’ hierarchy he is the right man for the job, with the 43-year-old’s man management skills said to have been crucial in guiding the Addicks away from the League One relegation zone last season.
Holden arrived at The Valley in December, replacing Ben Garner, and he successfully led Charlton to safety, finishing 10th in the table.
The Addicks made a host of impressive summer signings, including the likes of Harry Isted, Lloyd Jones, Panutche Camara and Alfie May, and they were among the promotion favourites in the third tier, but Holden was dismissed in August after his side lost four of their first five league games.
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A similar pattern was seen during Holden’s time at Championship side Bristol City, where he struggled to deliver consistency after an excellent start to life in the job.
Holden initially took charge of the Robins on an interim basis following the departure of Lee Johnson in July 2020 before being handed the role permanently the following month.
City sat top of the Championship table after winning their first four games of the 2020-21 season, but their form declined significantly thereafter, and Holden was sacked in February 2021 after a run of five consecutive defeats which left the club in 14th place.
Holden is undoubtedly a talented coach, but it is fair to say the jury is still out on him as a manager, and he would be a risky appointment for Bradford.
Holden would have challenges because the team is presently in its sixth season of League Two, but if he decides to transfer to West Yorkshire, he will need to succeed after his unsuccessful stints as manager in the past.
You believe it might be difficult for him to obtain another management position in the EFL if he is unable to.
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