I was hired by Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia – this is what stood him out as one of the best young English managers

03/25/2025 08:17 AM

Dean Holden has heaped praise on Steven Gerrard’s managerial expertise after working under him in Saudi Arabia.

The former Northern Ireland defender was hired by Gerrard in February last year.

Holden went on to spend nine months as his assistant manager at Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.

The club finished sixth under Gerrard last season during his only full campaign in charge.

Prior to Gerrard’s exit in January, Holden left his role as an assistant in November but has now reflected on working with the Liverpool icon.

He told Breakfast on Monday: “I’ve had the opportunity to manage two fantastic clubs in England, Bristol City and Charlton, and quite successful for most of the time.

“You know, you lose a couple of games, three or four games sometimes, and you’re out of a job.

“And my path then took me to working with one of the greatest ever in this country and, in my opinion, still one of the best young English managers. You know, don’t forget the work that he did at Rangers.

“Just to be associated alongside Steven and to watch how he worked day in, day out. I’d never really met him before working with him.

“And just everything you see on the television is what you see when you work with him. The standards he sets for himself and others around him is infectious.”

Gerrard had previously guided Rangers to an unbeaten league title in 2021 during his first senior managerial role.

He went on to manager Aston Villa before being appointed by Al Ettifaq in July 2023.

The former England international won 19 of his 55 matches across all competitions, with Holden serving as his assistant for half of his tenure.

Gerrard stepped down in January, though, and is yet to make a return to the dugout.

However, Holden has continued to test himself abroad since leaving Saudi Arabia.

Relishing the challenges of working in an unfamiliar environment, he headed to Turkish side Adana Demirspor in January.

The top flight outfit are managed by former Manchester City youth coach Mustafa Alper Avci, who brought in Holden following his appointment.

Revealing what made his new role so attractive, he added: “When I did my due diligence on this job, there’s an average age of 22.

“Which for me as a coach is fantastic because you’re working with some really elite level young players and trying to develop them.

“And that’s obviously something I’ve got a huge passion for.”

Holden began his coaching career at former club Oldham after retiring aged 35 back in 2014.

He later had spells in charge of both Bristol City and Charlton before his roles overseas.

The 45-year-old remains keen to return to English football in the future, though.

Asked if that is still his ambition, he said: “Yeah, I’ve got unfinished business.

“Every manager that loses a job will tell you about the stuff that goes on behind the scenes. But, for me, it’s about fronting it up. It’s about keep going.

“As you said at the very outset, coming from Salford, it’s not something that’s accepted.

“It’s when you get knocked on the floor, you get back up and you have another go. And I’m proud of the career that I’ve been able to have at the moment, but there’s still far more to come.

“Loving what I’m doing at the moment, I have to say. But, yeah, for sure, coming back to England at some point as a manager is a dream.”