Dean Holden agrees new Walsall deal

Walsall defender Dean Holden has signed a new one-year deal as player-coach at the club.

The 33-year-old, who joined the League One club in July 2012 after leaving Rochdale, will take on take on a dual role as a youth development coach.

Holden has said that this is a great opportunity to move into coaching.

"To be offered this dual role is perfect for me. I'm absolutely buzzing. I've loved every minute of my time here," he told BBC Sport.

"It's such a great environment in which to work and learn. The gaffer [Dean Smith] has been brilliant from the first time I met him and [assistant manager] Richard O'Kelly has a wealth of knowledge on the game.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity to prolong my playing career and also take my first steps into coaching."

Holden made 29 appearances for Walsall last season.