Charlton manager Dean Holden becomes first to be sacked this season after losing four of opening five league games
DEAN HOLDEN has become the first manager to be sacked this season, with Charlton axing him just five games into the new League One campaign.
The English manager, 43, only took charge at The Valley in December.
But he has been shown the door after losing his last four league games, as well as Charlton's Carabao Cup clash against Newport County.
The final straw for Addicks chiefs came on Saturday when Charlton lost 2-1 away at Oxford United.
The result left the Londoners 19th in League One, with five goals scored and eight conceded.
It means Holden's reign lasted only eight months, and academy coach Jason Pearce will now take charge on an interim basis ahead of Saturday's home game against Fleetwood.
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Charlton released a statement on Sunday evening thanking Holden for helping them beat the drop last term.
But they also confirmed assistant Danny Senda and goalie coach Glyn Shimell had been shown the door too.
The statement read: "Charlton Athletic can today announce that the club has parted company with men’s First-Team Manager Dean Holden, along with Assistant Manager Danny Senda and Goalkeeping Coach Glyn Shimell.
"Holden, who was appointed to his role in December 2022, oversaw a rise from 18th in League One to 10th in the division by the end of the season.
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"During his time at the helm, a significant number of academy graduates established themselves in the Addicks’ men’s first-team.
"Whilst a thorough recruitment process for Charlton’s new Manager is undertaken, the first team will be overseen on an interim basis by Jason Pearce, who will be assisted by Anthony Hayes."
Charlton Chairman James Rodwell added: “I would like to thank Dean and his staff for their hard work and dedication and sincerely wish them all the best in their future careers.
"Dean’s work in steering the club clear of relegation last season should not be forgotten, nor his development of many younger players.”
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