Latics ace Rick is Manx choice

By Robin Jones

NEW ROLE: Rick Holden

FORMER Manchester City and Oldham Athletic winger Rick Holden has taken interim charge of struggling North West Counties Premier side FC Isle of Man.

Holden, 61, has replaced Paul Jones in the hotseat after he parted company with the Ravens following nine defeats from their 13 opening games which left them third from bottom.

Yorkshire-born Holden has built a strong coaching reputation through his work with Barnsley.

Also a playing favourite at Halifax, Watford and Blackpool, Holden moved to the Isle of Man to play for local side Peel in 1996, becoming player-manager a year later – a role he held for seven years. He has also coached Isle of Man FA’s men’s representative side.

Announcing Jones’ resignation, a club statement read: “Paul has been an instrumental figure in the history of the Ravens, playing a pivotal role in the creation of the club in 2018.

“His passion, dedication, and hard work were critical in not only establishing FC Isle of Man but also in guiding the team through an important period of its development.”