Oldham Athletic face Preston North End in interim manager Dean Holden’s first game in charge after Lee Johnson took over at Barnsley in midweek.
The 33-year-old left for Oakwell less than two years after starting his managerial career at Sportsdirect.com Park.
Johnson left Oldham in ninth place in League One and just two points off the play-off places, and former Latics captain Holden is setting his sights on promotion to the championship.
“It’s a great game to start with. I went to watch them the other night against Walsall and everyone knows what you’re going to get with them,” said the former Walsall man.
“They are very organised and have a very good manager who has loads of experience. They are strong, physical and are a good working unit who know their own jobs so it’s going to be a tough game.
“The players need to go out there and carry on the hard work they have already done. We need to carry that work on for the promotion push.”
Chief executive Neil Joy said the club are in ‘no rush’ to find a permanent manager as Holden takes over the job.
Holden got his start as a coach while still playing at League One Walsall, before joining Oldham as first-team coach.
Saturday’s opponents North End sit in fourth position only four points outside the automatic places and the 35-year-old cannot wait to get started.
“Saturday’s game is in my mind and the player’s mind but ultimately, the only thing we are in control of is this training session. We have to make sure it’s a good one and then tomorrow will come around and we will go again.
“I’m focusing on getting the players ready mentally. My mind is focused on today, tomorrow and Saturday and what will be, will be.”
“You have to put your own spin on things in training. In any challenge that is thrown on you, you would be a fool to copy somebody else. I’ll put my own spin on things.
“I’ve brought Locky [Adam Lockwood] in because he’s a well respected member of any dressing room and the lads like him around here. Me and him have just put our own spin on things and we want to make training fun, enjoyable but full of hard work.”
Main image courtesy of Chesterfield FC via YouTube, with thanks.
