Dean Holden, the assistant manager at Hull City, has revealed how he's coping with a family tragedy while helping the team make a flying start to the season. Hull City has won two matches from two, defeating Manchester United and Coventry City, and is currently sitting at 3rd in the Premier League with 6 points and a recent form of WW.
What is behind Hull City's strong start?
The team's manager, Sergej Jakirovic, has implemented a 'no jealousy' policy, which seems to be paying off. Holden, who has previously managed Oldham, Bristol City, and Charlton, and played for Bolton, Oldham, and Peterborough, has been open about his personal struggles, including the loss of his daughter Cici to meningococcal septicaemia when she was 17 months old.
How is Dean Holden coping with his loss?
Holden and his wife Danielle have been childhood sweethearts and have four other children besides Cici. They have been featured in a YouTube series named Holden It Together and have found the Wim Hof Method, which involves practicing yoga and meditation twice a day, as well as taking ice baths twice a day at home.
What are Hull City's chances of staying up in the Premier League?
Holden states that 10 wins and a few draws tend to be enough to stay up, and after beating Manchester United, a famous manager said 'Only nine more to go'. After the win against Coventry, the same manager said 'Only eight to go'. As reported by the Daily Mail Sport, Hull City's task is to stay up in the Premier League, and with their current form, they are looking strong. The team is currently preparing for their next fixture against Aston Villa at home on 2026-09-05, and fans can check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
What is the current state of the team?
Hull City has scored 3 goals this season and conceded 0, with a goal difference of +3. The team is currently sidelined with injuries to Charlie Hughes, Darko Gyabi, Jack Butland, and Óscar Zambrano, and fans can check the latest injury updates on our injuries page. With their strong start to the season, Hull City is looking to continue their winning streak, and fans can check the current league standings on our standings page. As Dean Holden said, 'Nobody wants to win more than me, but nothing will ever be as bad as losing a child', and the team is looking to make a strong finish to the season. The next match against Aston Villa will be on 2026-09-05.
