Swindon Town make surprise Ian Holloway appointment after Kennedy sacking

Swindon Town have announced Ian Holloway as the club’s new manager following the sacking of former head coach Mark Kennedy.

The former Blackpool and QPR boss, 61, arrives to help a Town side struggling in 22^nd place in League Two.

Holloway has taken charge of more than 1,000 professional games, having led the likes of Crystal Palace and Blackpool to the Premier League.

Following the appointment, Head of Football Jamie Russell said, “We're delighted that Ian Holloway has agreed to join us at Swindon Town Football Club.

“We are confident that Ian's experience and leadership qualities which he has shown for many years across not just at Premier League level, but the top five divisions of professional football, will be a significant asset for Swindon Town Football Club.

“His passionate approach coupled with his location being more local to the South-West area along with most importantly, a desire to build a hardworking and entertaining side is a large part of what made us believe he would be the ideal fit for us.

?? Five promotions as a player and manager
?? Almost 1,000 professional league games
?? Premier League experience

?? Welcome to #STFC, Ian Holloway!

— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) October 25, 2024

“Additionally, Ian’s ability to help grow, develop and nurture not only our first-team players but also the dedicated coaching staff we have at Swindon Town was important to us.

“Alongside our current coaching set-up with Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning, there is a great opportunity for us to mix proven Premier League quality in Ian, with our dedicated and committed first-team staff who have achieved successes in their own right and are particularly keen to improve to deliver positive performances and results for Swindon Town going forward.”

Holloway is set to be in attendance as Town take on Gillingham at the Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow.

Having signed a deal to the end of the 2024-25 campaign, his first day officially in the job will be on Monday.

(Picture: Rob Noyes)