“ Ian Holloway “

Swindon Town appointed manager Ian Holloway on October 25th, 2024 after a four-year hiatus from management. Holloway had a playing career that spanned from 1980 until 1999, playing for a range of English clubs. The midfielder started his career at Bristol Rovers, making 111 appearances and netting 15 goals. After spells at Wimbledon, Brentford and Torquay United, Holloway would return to Bristol Rovers (not for the last time) where he made an additional 179 appearances. Holloway then moved to Queens Park Rangers in 1991, enjoying five years at the club and making 147 appearances.

He would return to his boyhood club Bristol Rovers in 1996, with a new career path in mind as player-manager. In his second season at the club, Holloway took Rovers to the Division Two (now League One) Play-Offs. By February 2001, he was reunited with another of his former clubs, Queens Park Rangers. In his five years at Loftus Road, Holloway managed them to promotion to the second division. Holloway would then take charge of Plymouth Argyle and Leicester City. On May 21st 2009, he was appointed manager of Blackpool, who were in the Championship at the time, but nine months later reached the Premier League, with Holloway becoming just the second Blackpool manager to win promotion in his first full season.

Following his success with Blackpool, Holloway would then coach Crystal Palace. It would be a case of déjà vu, as Holloway again promoted the Championship side to the Premier League in his first season at the club. In January 2014, Holloway was appointed Millwall manager and completed the task of keeping them in the Championship. In November 2016, Holloway returned to Queens Park Rangers and steered the club from relegation.

He joined Grimsby Town in December 2019 but resigned a year later, remaining away from the dugout for four years. Since his arrival at Swindon Town in October 2024, Holloway has had a successful tenure at the club. The League Two side’s form dramatically improved in early 2025, picking up 13 points from a potential 18. After a League Two Manager of the Month award in January, Holloway was rewarded with a new long-term deal in March, keeping him at the club until June 2028.

Just like Marmite, love him or hate him, he's certainly a character, and a very good manager.

I like his attitude, and his working, and life ethics. I think he will have STFC fired up tomorrow night.

Just like Marmite, love him or hate him, he's certainly a character, and a very good manager.

I like his attitude, and his working, and life ethics. I think he will have STFC fired up tomorrow night.

I agree totally but we should have way way to much quality for them

I don't mind Holloway.

Obviously he beat us in that 2010 play-off final but he also says nice things about us.

He's had a great career and good to see him back in management at League Two.

But I would expect us to beat them tomorrow if we play a strong team.

an underrated manager considering the promotions he has on his cv

I always thought he would have been a great fit for us
probably wouldn't take him now but I'm shocked we never went in for him back in the day