Former Bristol Rovers manager Ian Holloway has made his long-awaited comeback to football management.

The 61-year-old, who last led Grimsby in 2020, has been named the next manager of League Two Swindon.

The Robins fired Mark Kennedy on Friday morning, with the team third from the bottom of the standings with only two victories in 13 league games this season. However, they wasted little time in seeking a successor, with Holloway’s appointment confirmed only hours later.

He has signed a contract with the County Ground club until the end of the season, and his first game in charge will be against Gillingham at home on Saturday.
Holloway expressed excitement about his return to football after a hiatus, stating, “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game. With this opportunity, I feel it’s the perfect fit for me.”

“Conversations moved fast, and both parties were eager to complete the transaction. Of course, I was thrilled to work with a club like Swindon Town, which I am quite familiar with owing to my location and knowledge of the surrounding region.

“I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted 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.”

Swindon marks the Bristolian’s tenth management position. Holloway has formerly managed Rovers, Blackpool, QPR, Crystal Palace, Plymouth, Millwall, and Leicester.

He has led three of those teams to promotion, with Blackpool (2009-10) and Palace (2012-13) reaching the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. Holloway also managed QPR when they achieved automatic promotion from the former Division Two in 2003-03.

After being appointed as player/manager in 1996, the former Rovers player oversaw first-team activities at the Gas for four and a half seasons. His best league finish during that time period came in 1997-98, when the team finished fifth and lost to Northampton in the former Division Two play-off semis.

Hollway departed the club in January 2001. Later that season, relegation was guaranteed after finishing in 21st position.

Holloway made almost 400 appearances for Rovers in three seasons after rising through the club’s development systems. He won the former Third Division title with the Gas in 1989-90.

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