Dean Holden signs two year extension as Steven Gerrard's assistant at Al-Ettifaq with the ex-Charlton boss set to continue his stay until 2027

Dean Holden has signed a two year contract extension with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

The 44-year old former Charlton Athletic and Bristol City manager linked up with Steven Gerrard as his assistant in February.

Gerrard was handed a two year extension at the end of the season following an upturn in performances and Holden's tenure has been brought into line with that.

Al-Ettifaq, who are looking to revamp their squad this summer, which could see Demarai Gray return to the Premier League, finished sixth in the Saudi Pro League last season but expect an improved showing for the new campaign.

Holden, who also had a spell as caretaker boss with Stoke City, is now under contract with the Dammam club until 2027.

His experiences of working in a head coach capacity at Bristol City and Charlton earned Holden plaudits for his man-management ability and run of results in both the league and cup competitions.

Holden previously guided Charlton to a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United in January last year where his battling side were beaten 3-0 by Erik ten Hag's side.

The Al-Ettifaq assistant previously held a season ticket at Old Trafford but has been working in the Middle East since moving to link-up with Gerrard at the start of the year.

Holden appears to have been loving life in the Saudi Kingdom since moving there, joining in with traditions and quickly settling within Gerrard's coaching set-up.

Raving about his time in the nation, Holden previously posted on X: ' 7 weeks on from a life changing decision to pursue a new opportunity in Saudi Arabia and I couldn’t have wished it to have gone any better.

'Al-Ettifaq is a brilliant football club and I’m working alongside some top people.'