Sam Parkin has branded Ian Holloway’s appointment at Swindon Town as a bizarre but unsurprising move for the club
The 61-year-old has returned to management with the struggling League Two club, his first post since leaving Grimsby Town in December 2020.
While he has extensive experience working in English football, his return after an almost four-year absence has surprised many.
Holloway said in his first interview with the club that he hired an agency barely 24 hours before taking over the Robins.
He will now try to maintain the team in the Football League, as Swindon is in danger of relegation from the fourth division.
Ian Holloway’s Grimsby Town record (all competitions according to Transfermarkt).
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
W%
38
11
9
18
28.95
Sam Parkin issues Ian Holloway verdict
Parkin described Holloway’s agent statements as strange, but believes he can galvanize the club and its supporters.
While he has some reservations about the veteran manager after his terrible tenure at Grimsby, which lasted only 38 games, he is confident that Holloway can motivate this struggling club.
“I don’t think you can ever be stunned by a managerial appointment at Swindon over the last decade, or probably longer,” Parkin remarked on the What The EFL?! Podcast.
“It’s been John Sheridan, Phil Brown, David Flitcroft, and Richie Wellens. Richie Wellens was a particularly fruitful period, which I hold dear to my heart considering the chaos that has engulfed that club.
“So, no, I’m not very astonished by Holloway’s appointment.
“When I heard Ollie’s interview and learned that he had only appointed an agent 24 hours before receiving the call, it seemed strange.
“I assume the agent has been approached and told, ‘I’ve just signed Ollie on the dotted line; do you fancy him?'”
“Is he from down the road? He will motivate the crowd to some extent.
“The players require a boost of energy, and the venue is currently shrouded in darkness as a result of ongoing disputes with the ownership.
“Just folks who don’t have complete trust and support for everything that happens above pitch level.
“Ollie will bring his character, and I am confident the players will love it.
“All the lads that I played with, there is no one better to motivate a squad of 11 lads heading out to battle; he is one of the greatest at it.
“But think back to Grimsby a few years ago, when everything went tragically wrong very rapidly.
“I believe Ollie no longer knows the level, which was troublesome when he walked into Grimsby.
“It’s a significant job that he’s taking on, because there’s a real risk of Swindon sliding out of the Football League as things stand right now.
“They have been plunging. Last year was a dismal finish for a club with hopes if they can get things right off the pitch.
“So it’s a mess currently.”
Ian Holloway’s managing experience.
Holloway has been in football management since 1996, having worked in all four of England’s main divisions.
He memorably led Blackpool and Crystal Palace to Premier League promotions in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
The 61-year-old has previously worked for QPR, Leicester City, Millwall, and, most recently, Grimsby.
Holloway takes over Swindon, which is currently 22nd in League Two, only four points above the relegation zone.
Holloway’s appointment is dangerous.
Bringing Holloway into the scenario at Swindon is a risk, but it’s not surprising given what’s happened behind the scenes at the club.
While he was once a brilliant manager in English football, his arrival is unlikely to inspire given his more recent track record and previous problems to adapt to League Two.
Swindon are in danger of being relegated to the National League, therefore this appointment must go well.
The comments about his agency are amusing, but that is part of Holloway’s appeal, and fans should expect more of the same during his term.
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