Ian Holloway: Profile of the Swindon Town Manager
Introduction
Ian Holloway is a well-known figure in English football, notable as a manager, former player and media personality. His career matters to supporters and clubs because of a record that includes promotions to the Premier League, long playing spells at notable clubs and a reputation as a colourful pundit. Recent appointment details and past achievements make his movements relevant to followers of EFL League Two and the wider game.
Main body
Personal details and current role
Born on 12 March 1963, Holloway is an English professional football manager. According to available appointment records he was appointed on 25 October 2024 and is listed as the manager of EFL League Two club Swindon Town. In addition to management, he is recognised as a media personality and television pundit.
Managerial achievements
Holloway has overseen promotions to the top tier of English football. Notably, he managed Crystal Palace to promotion to the Premier League in May 2013. However, Palace won only one of their opening eight games in the top flight and Holloway left the club by mutual consent on 23 October 2013 after less than a year in charge. The record also notes that he achieved promotion with Blackpool three years earlier, demonstrating a capacity to guide teams to higher divisions.
Playing career and early management
As a player, Holloway spent significant time at Queens Park Rangers, spending five seasons and appearing in more than 150 games for the club. He returned to Bristol Rovers for a third time in August 1996 as player-manager, combining on-field experience with managerial responsibility. Reports also record an historic early success when he became the first Leicester manager in over 50 years to win his first league game in charge, beating Bristol City 2–0.
Conclusion
Ian Holloway’s profile combines notable playing longevity, documented promotions and a public-facing media role. His appointment to Swindon Town in October 2024 reconnects those strands: a manager with experience of promotion campaigns and top-flight challenge. For readers and supporters, Holloway’s track record suggests he will be judged on whether he can translate past promotional successes into progress for his current club; his early results and ability to steady form will be watched closely in the coming months.
