Holden Hopes To Make Wanderers Game

Last updated : 20 January 2005 By Mark Heys
Oldham Athletic captain Dean Holden hopes to recover from an ankle ligament injury in time to face his former club Bolton Wanderers next weekend.

The 25-year old missed the Latics giantkilling exploits against Manchester City in the last round of the FA Cup but is eager to face the club who gave him his football league debut back in November 1999.

"My stomach hit the floor when we drew Bolton. You can't imagine how much I want to lead Oldham out against my former club.It would be such a proud moment to be the captain against Big Sam, Phil Brown and Neil McDonald who were in charge when I was there.

Holden is making excellent strides in his attempt to recover from his recent injury in time for this match and says that the TV coverage of this game will give him some extra time to build up his fitness.

"I've got my fingers crossed that I'll make it. I'm making a good recovery, the swelling and bruising have gone and there's a chance now when I didn't have one before. The gaffer told me I'd an extra day to get fit when it was picked for a TV game. It might sound stupid but it gave me such a boost."

The Salford born star was set for a promising future at Bolton before tradegy struck in March 2000 when a challenge from Sheffield United midfielder Lee Sandford left Holden with a badly broken leg which was to keep him out of the game for over a year.

Now "young Deano" has been rebuilding his footballing career down at Boundary Park and Bolton Mad would like to wish him all the very best apart from when the Latics lock horns with Bolton on 30th January.

Dean Holden in action for Bolton in 2000