Ian Holloway Returns to Management, Underscores Extensive Experience

Ian Holloway, the newly appointed manager of Swindon Town, has stated his belief that he still possesses “a lot more to offer” in the sport, marking his 10th managerial position. Holloway, aged 61, observed his new team for the first time on Saturday, following his appointment on Friday. The match against Gillingham resulted in a 1-1 draw. He formally assumed his duties on Monday. His career includes managing clubs across the top four tiers of English football since his first role in 1996, in addition to having played in all four divisions during his time as a player. Speaking to BBC Radio Wiltshire, Holloway asserted, “I’ve got a lot more to offer, I’ve got an awful load of experience.” He further emphasized his unique background, stating, “I’ve played at all four levels of English football and I’ve managed at all four levels. I don’t think you’ll find there’s too many of us.” This appointment marks Ian Holloway’s return to football management after an absence of nearly four years from the dugout. Throughout his managerial tenure, Holloway secured promotions with QPR, Crystal Palace, and Blackpool, with the latter two achieving promotion to the Premier League. His previous roles also include managing Leicester, Bristol Rovers, and Plymouth. He had been away from management since departing Grimsby in December 2020, attributing his return to the “pure love of the game.” Earlier this month, he conveyed to BBC Sport his ambition to join the exclusive group of 26 English managers who have reached 1,000 games coached; Holloway currently stands at 989 games, 11 short of this milestone. Prior to this, he had been working as an after-dinner speaker at various events, and he mentioned that a recent engagement reignited his desire to secure an agent and re-enter the sport. Holloway recounted, “I did one a couple of weeks ago where I spoke to some young players in the team and they kept me an hour after I should have [left].” He added, “They were so enthused with what I said, had so many questions and I missed that.” He further reflected on his absence, stating, “Being so competitive and the game itself you miss the opportunity to talk to people and be around football people.” Holloway takes charge of a Swindon team currently facing a potential relegation battle to maintain their Football League status. The club is positioned 22nd in the league standings, having accumulated only 12 points from 14 games and secured just two victories. He commented that there is “no secret” to avoiding relegation, a situation he has encountered previously with QPR, Leicester, and Blackpool. “The ambitions here are very big,” Holloway stated, adding, “what you have to do is you take over a situation and you have to try and get people enjoying what they are doing.” He continued, “I think that’s really important these days, it’s not just winning it’s about how you win. Mr Pep Guardiola is changing that – in our own way, in my way, I want to teach boys how to play at the top flight level even in the second division they can try and achieve that.” He concluded by outlining his philosophy: “What we’ve got to do is be competitive and brave and always keep wanting the ball.”