Beyond the Pitch: Dean Holden on Football, Loss, and Living in the Spotlight

We're back with another cracking guest on Talking Cod, none other than footy legend Dean Holden.

Dean talks about his illustrious career as a player and a manager, most recently of Charlton Athletic, but then opens up with deep authenticity as he talks about the tragic loss of his daughter, Cici. 

And that triggered something huge in our conversation: as someone in the public eye, how much of your personal life do you have to shield?

We weren't expecting someone so prolific to approach the episode with such openness and candour, and we can't thank Dean enough for the authenticity he gave us during our chat.

If you think you know what's going on in a football manager's head, you need to listen to this edition.

Follow Dean on X: @deanholdenuk and on Instagram: @deanohold.

As always, if you like what you hear, give us a like, share, and a follow. And maybe a comment. Or, if you want to get involved, email us at [e-mail].

Creators & Guests

Host

Andy Hall

Love to ask questions and learning about myself and others every day. Hate labels except; Executive Coach, Facilitator, Speaker, Host, Mentor, Husband, Dad, Friend. Mental health ambassador. Triathlete. Make a positive difference every day.

Host

David Eccles

Development Director. Middleman. Trail walking, running, riding, fire lighting, BBQ’r (AKA The Rave)

Host

Phil Birchenall

I’m the founder of Diagonal Thinking, a smart consultancy for people in the creative, media and digital industries.

Guest

Dean Holden

💍 Married to my best friend @louddanielle, 👨‍👧Daddy to my 5 beautiful children. ⚽️ Manager

What is Talking Cod: a survivor’s guide to middle age?

Three northern blokes talk about midlife and growing old disgracefully: the kind of things you want to say, but rarely ever do.

Hosts David Eccles, Phil Birchenall and Andy Hall explore how confronting life head-on - with all the crap it throws your way - makes you stronger, older, bolder and, of course, that little bit wiser.

We’ll share our own experiences and talk to friends about life’s ups and downs, what’s worked, and what definitely didn’t.


Frank, fearless, funny. Talking Cod.