Oldham Athletic manager Dean Holden is excited to come up against one of his former sides on Saturday as he looks to close out the season strongly.
The Latics boss expects a tough game against promotion-chasing Chesterfield, who have won six of their last seven, including a thumping 6-0 win against Colchester United in midweek.
Oldham, on the other hand, are without a win in five, and it is a streak Holden is desperate to snap on Saturday.
“It’s one that I’m really looking forward to. They will have a great following behind them and we will have it all on to get something from the game,” he said.
“They are in great form and I watched them against Bradford on their pitch and they did what they needed to do on the night.
“They have got a lot of energy in the team and some really good players with a fantastic goalkeeper behind them so it will be a tough ask for us but one I’m really looking forward to.”
The 35-year-old played for the Spireites between February and November 2011and helped them win the League Two title, and is keen to come up against old friends.
“I have some very good memories of Chesterfield and the short time I was there was a great time in my life,” he said.
“There are a lot of people behind the scenes still there and they are good friends so it will be nice to see them after the game, hopefully having got the three points.
“Chesterfield have energy in their team and real good attacking players so we will have to guard against that and we are looking forward to that.”
Holden, who was appointed as interim manager following the departure of Lee Johnson in February, admitted that even though his future at the club is uncertain, he is already preparing for next year’s campaign.
“We are looking at a tour possibly and getting on with friendlies locally,” he said.
“I think it is important that we build relationships with local non-league teams which will help us to send a couple of lads out on loan to them.
“I’m sure it will help the local clubs as well having an Oldham team come to them so it’s a win-win situation and something we are looking to do.”
Main image courtesy of CFC Official via YouTube, with thanks.
