Former Bristol Rovers, Plymouth and Leicester boss Ian Holloway makes surprise managerial return
Ian Holloway has finally returned to football management after a lengthy absence.
The 61-year-old, who last oversaw Grimsby in 2020, has been named Swindon’s new League Two manager.
The Robins, who are currently third from the bottom of the table and have only won two of their 13 league games this season, fired Mark Kennedy on Friday morning. However, they didn’t take long to find a substitute, and a few hours later, Holloway’s appointment was confirmed.
His first game in charge will be a home match against Gillingham on Saturday. He has committed to the County Ground team through the conclusion of the season.
“I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me,” Holloway said in an interview with the Swindon website following the confirmation of his hiring.
“The discussions moved along quickly, and both sides were keen to get the deal done. Working with a team like Swindon Town, which I am familiar with due to my location and background, naturally made me very happy.
“I’m excited to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together. I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch.”
The Bristolian’s tenth management appointment is Swindon. Holloway has taken charge of teams like Blackpool, QPR, Crystal Palace, Plymouth, Millwall, and Leicester in addition to Rovers.
He has led three of those teams to promotion, and through the Championship play-offs, he has secured trips to the Premier League with Blackpool (2009–10) and Palace (2012–13). When QPR got promoted automatically from the previous Division Two in 2003–03, Holloway was also in command of the team.
After being appointed as player/manager in 1996, the former Rovers player oversaw first-team operations at the Gas for four and a half seasons. His best league result during that period occurred in the 1997–98 season, when the team lost to Northampton in the former Division Two play-off semi-finals after finishing fifth.
Hollway departed from the team in January 2001. After finishing in 21st place later that season, relegation was officially confirmed.
As a player, Holloway progressed through Rovers’ youth divisions and made around 400 games across three stints. With the Gas, he won the previous Third Division championship during the 1989–1990 campaign.
