Dean Holden leaves Walsall for Bristol City

The 37-year-old moves to Ashton Gate where he will team up Lee Johnson, who he knows from his time at Oldham.

Saddlers boss Whitney confirmed the Championship outfit made an official approach for Holden's services - with the two teams then going on to agree a compensation package.

A former Walsall player, Holden returned to the club back in March to assist Whitney following the sacking of Sean O'Driscoll.

He was first given a coaching role at the Banks's Stadium by then boss Dean Smith before leaving in November 2014 to become first-team coach at Oldham.

And Whitney has confirmed he is now on the hunt for a new first-team coach.

"Dean Holden has left ­- he is going to Bristol City as assistant manager," he said.

"He has been really open and honest with us and Bristol have done it in the right way, they have approached the club.

"It's a chance for Dean to work in the Championship. It's not great for me as I am losing a really good coach.

"I want to wish him all the best and thank him for everything he has done. He is a good friend of mine and I have learnt a lot from him.

"He sees it as a step forward on his pathway.

"It's a big loss but it's football. I will handle it and I'm already being proactive in looking for a replacement.

"I will be looking at my options over the next few days. I won't rush it. But I will make sure the person that comes in will be right for the club and how we want to move forward."