Dean Holden brings his Charlton Athletic side to the Mem on Friday full of confidence and backed by a sold out away end, but the Addicks boss is expecting a tough examination by Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers side.
After considerable uncertainty around his position at The Valley, Holden signed a long-term contract at the start of March and his side have gone five games unbeaten since. The top six is out of reach for them but they are looking to continue their upturn in form heading into the summer.
Holden returns to Bristol having worked for more than four years over the red side of the city, first as Lee Johnson’s assistant and then as head coach for six months at the start of the 2020/21 season, which will undoubtedly lead to a warm welcome from the assembled Gasheads.
