Ian Holloway facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ian Holloway

Holloway in 2015
Personal information
Full name	Ian Scott Holloway
Date of birth	(1963-03-12) 12 March 1963 (age 62)
Place of birth	Kingswood, Gloucestershire, England
Height	1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Swindon Town (manager)
Youth career
	Bristol Rovers
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1980–1985	Bristol Rovers	111	(15)
1985–1986	Wimbledon	19	(2)
1986–1987	Brentford	29	(2)
1987	→ Torquay United (loan)	5	(0)
1987–1991	Bristol Rovers	179	(26)
1991–1996	Queens Park Rangers	147	(4)
1996–1999	Bristol Rovers	107	(1)
Total		597	(50)
Managerial career
1996–2001	Bristol Rovers
2001–2006	Queens Park Rangers
2006–2007	Plymouth Argyle
2007–2008	Leicester City
2009–2012	Blackpool
2012–2013	Crystal Palace
2014–2015	Millwall
2016–2018	Queens Park Rangers
2019–2020	Grimsby Town
2024–	Swindon Town
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ian Scott Holloway (born 12 March 1963) is an English professional football manager. He used to be a player and is now a media personality. He is currently the manager of Swindon Town.

Ian, often called "Ollie," was a midfielder during his playing days. He played in the Premier League for Queens Park Rangers (QPR). He spent most of his career at his hometown club, Bristol Rovers. He also played for Wimbledon, Brentford, and Torquay United.

After his playing career, Ian became a football manager. He has managed several teams, including Bristol Rovers, Queens Park Rangers, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Millwall, and Grimsby Town. He helped both Blackpool and Crystal Palace get promoted to the Premier League.

Ian is well-known for his funny and unique interviews. He has a strong West Country accent and often gives amusing answers to questions from reporters.

Playing Career Highlights

Ian Holloway grew up in Cadbury Heath, near Bristol. He started his football journey as a young player at his local team, Bristol Rovers. He became a professional player in 1981. He usually played in the midfield on the right side.

Moving to Other Clubs

After four seasons with Bristol Rovers, Ian moved to Wimbledon in 1985. His time there was short, and he soon joined Brentford in 1986. He also had a short loan spell at Torquay United.

In 1987, Ian returned to Bristol Rovers. He played very well under the new manager, Gerry Francis. He hardly missed any games during his four seasons back at the club.

Playing for Queens Park Rangers

When Gerry Francis became the manager of QPR in 1991, he signed Ian Holloway. Ian played over 150 games for QPR over five seasons. In 1996, he returned to Bristol Rovers for the third time, this time as a player-manager. He stopped playing in 1999 to focus fully on being a manager. He played over 400 matches for Bristol Rovers in total.

Managerial Journey

Ian Holloway has had a long and interesting career as a football manager. He is known for his passion and for helping teams achieve promotion.

Leading Bristol Rovers

Ian took over Bristol Rovers when the club was facing challenges. In his first season, he guided them to 17th place in Division Two. The next season, they finished 5th and made it to the play-offs. They narrowly missed out on promotion after a tough semi-final match. He retired as a player after the 1998–99 season to focus on managing.

Success with Queens Park Rangers

In 2001, Ian became the manager of QPR. His first task was to keep them in Division One, but they were relegated. However, Ian stayed and rebuilt the team. In 2004, he led QPR back to the second level of English football, finishing second in their league.

Managing Plymouth Argyle

Ian became the manager of Plymouth Argyle in 2006. He was very enthusiastic and even offered to buy a drink for 700 fans after their first away win! He resigned in 2007 to take on a new challenge. Later, he said leaving Plymouth was a big mistake, showing how much he cares about loyalty.

Holloway as a manager in 2007

Time at Leicester City

In November 2007, Ian became the manager of Leicester City. He made history by being the first Leicester manager in over 50 years to win his first league game. However, Leicester was relegated from the Championship in May 2008. Ian left the club by mutual agreement, saying he was "devastated" but had given his "100%."

Blackpool's Premier League Dream

In May 2009, Ian became the manager of Blackpool. Just nine months later, he led the club to the Premier League after winning the play-offs! This was a huge achievement, as it was Blackpool's first time in the top flight in 40 years. Ian called it one of the best moments of his life.

Holloway as Blackpool manager in 2010

Blackpool played one season in the Premier League before returning to the Championship in 2011. Ian continued to manage Blackpool, guiding them to the Championship play-offs again in 2012, but they lost in the final.

Crystal Palace Promotion

In November 2012, Ian joined Crystal Palace as manager. He quickly made an impact, and in May 2013, he led Crystal Palace to promotion to the Premier League after winning the play-off final. He left the club by mutual agreement in October 2013.

Millwall and Return to QPR

Ian signed with Millwall in January 2014 and helped them stay in the Championship that season. He left Millwall in March 2015.

In November 2016, Ian returned to Queens Park Rangers as manager. He helped the team avoid relegation during his time there. He left QPR in May 2018.

Grimsby Town and Swindon Town

In December 2019, Ian became the manager of Grimsby Town. He also committed to buying shares in the club. He made many changes to the team. He resigned in December 2020, after just under a year in charge.

After a break from football, Ian Holloway was appointed manager of Swindon Town on 25 October 2024. He took over when the club was in 22nd place in EFL League Two. In January 2025, he was named EFL League Two Manager of the Month for his team's improved performance. In March 2025, he signed a new long-term contract with Swindon Town, showing his commitment to the club.

Personal Life and Family

Ian Holloway met his wife, Kim, when they were both 15 years old. They have four children: William, twins Eve and Chloe, and Harriet. Ian and Kim's twin daughters, Eve and Chloe, were born profoundly deaf. Their youngest daughter, Harriet, was also born deaf.

Ian and Kim have worked very hard to ensure their daughters receive a good education. Ian has learned sign language to communicate with his children. He is a strong supporter of deaf issues and concerns, using his public profile to raise awareness. He believes that every child deserves a proper education, no matter their challenges.

Ian has shared that his children's deafness has made him and Kim better people. He feels lucky to experience the "sheer trust and love of a deaf child."

During a break from managing, Ian became interested in self-sufficiency. He started raising chickens and even built a special coop for them! When he moved for his job at Blackpool, his family brought their many chickens, horses, dogs, and ducks with them.

In October 2020, after a very sad personal event, Ian received amazing support from football fans. A Grimsby Town fan forum started a fundraiser to support him. Fans from all over the world donated, raising over £6,000. Ian donated this money to two charities chosen by his friend's family.

Media and Public Persona

Ian Holloway is famous for his entertaining post-match interviews. His creative use of metaphors and funny sayings have made him a popular figure in English football.

He has written several books, including his autobiography, Ollie: The Autobiography of Ian Holloway. He also wrote the foreword for The Official Bristol Rovers Quiz Book.

Ian is an Honorary Patron of Show Racism the Red Card, an organization that fights racism. He has attended events to share his experiences and opinions on racism with young people.

He has also written weekly columns for newspapers like The Independent on Sunday and the Sunday Mirror. When he's not managing, Ian often appears as a television pundit on shows like EFL on Quest. He also has his own podcast called "The Ian Holloway Podcast."

Managerial Statistics

Honours and Achievements

Ian Holloway has achieved several honours both as a player and as a manager.

As a Player

Bristol Rovers

• Football League Third Division: 1989–90 (Champions)

Wimbledon

• Football League Second Division promotion: 1985–86 (Promoted to top league)

As a Manager

Queen's Park Rangers

• Football League Second Division promotion: 2003–04 (Promoted)

Blackpool

• Football League Championship play-off winner: 2009–10 (Won promotion to Premier League)

Crystal Palace

• Football League Championship play-off winner: 2012–13 (Won promotion to Premier League)

Individual Awards

• Football League Championship Manager of the Month: September 2004, August 2012
• Football League Second Division Manager of the Month: February 2003, November 2003
• EFL League Two Manager of the Month: January 2025