Former Chesterfield defender Dean Holden takes over as Bristol City caretaker after sacking of Lee Johnson

The Robins sacked manager Lee Johnson on Saturday after a home defeat to Cardiff City left them 12th in the Championship and nine points off the play-offs.

Holden, 40, was signed by John Sheridan in January 2011 and the defender helped the Spireites win the League Two title.

Despite featuring in the majority of matches at the start of the following season Holden was sent out on loan to Rochdale before joining them permanently.

Announcing the sacking of Johnson, Bristol City said in a statement that Holden “will take over immediately in a caretaker capacity as the club look to appoint a successor.”

City chief executive, Mark Ashton, said: “Success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the board believes that a change of management is needed now for Bristol City.”