He signed a short term deal with Sunderland last season. He was assaulted in Newcastle and broke some bones in his face so he never really got a chance to show what he could do before his contract expired at the end of last season. Where is he now?? No clue.
Sunderland probably could have done no worse had they signed Holden. Man, was it ever clear how bad Sunderland were after the Northwest US trip last summer? Getting pounded by a A-League team....
I was at the first Houston 1836 practice on Wednesday, and supprisingly he was there. I asked a coach if he was playing with the team, and he said he was just there to play. Then I asked him if he was playing with the Sunderland reserves and he said knew nothing about it. He played pretty well from what I saw, I was impressed. He was really smooth on the ball. I hope he ends up playin in Houston. He would be a good fit, its his home and we need another midfielder after Chung left.
Perhaps not a huge surprise but it does appear Holden is still in the Houston camp. Aside from Superdraft picks Patrick Ianni, Mike Chabala and Andre Schmid — all of whom have contracts with 1836 — the coaching staff will keep a critical eye on Tony Donatelli (midfielder), Mpho Moloi (midfielder) and Josh Fender (forward), all supplemental draft picks, and locals Stuart Holden (midfielder) and Martin Hutton (goalkeeper), both non-roster camp invitees. And if you're into tea leaves: The team has 28 players in training camp, therefore in a perfect world no cuts would be needed. But the team can trade or sign other players. Article: Link: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3684887.html
Holden appears to be nearing a contract with Houston: Hutton, 24, recently was offered a contract by the Dynamo. Things are looking good for Holden, too. The team won't comment, but a contract seems to be in the works, something Holden acknowledges with relief. Link: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3752419.html Far right in that picture.
The deal is done - article includes quotes. http://www.americansoccernews.net/mls/dynamo/060422_houston_holden.shtml