Holloway's unusual watching brief as Swindon Town rescue late point

Swindon Town boss Ian Holloway was involved in an unusual watching brief as his side picked themselves up off the canvas to seal a dramatic 1-1 draw at home against Gillingham.

The hosts were rocked after Grant Hall was given a straight red card after just nine minutes at the Nigel Eady County Ground, with Holloway watching on from the stands.

And with his team short on numbers, the new manager was up and about around the technical area near his new coaching staff, having found a seat nearby.

Holloway was also reported to have gone in and spoken to his team at half-time, despite not officially starting in the role until Monday.

Ian Holloway adding a new definition to 'watching from the stands' at Swindon today. #STFC pic.twitter.com/wNtAXqSu2x

— Alfie Howlett (@AlfHowlett) October 26, 2024

And the 10 men of Swindon managed to find a leveller in stoppage time, with Harry Smith heading home in the dying minutes.

Holloway replaced Mark Kennedy in the role on Friday morning, his first managerial job since 2020.

Speaking about joining the Robins before the contest, the 61-year-old said: "It's an absolute privilege. It's a shock how it all happened but I'm delighted to be here.

"We've got a good young group of players, I met them just now and can't wait to see what they can do and add to what they've been doing."

Ian Holloway was supposed to have a watching brief only today from the directors’ box but after #STFC went man down early on, he has spent the majority of game sitting behind the dug out & half-time in the dressing room. He may as well be on the bench!

pic.twitter.com/C8LcQEocZ4

— Chris Hull (@mrchrishull) October 26, 2024

Town remain 22^nd in the League Two table, four points above the bottom two.

Holloway’s first official game in charge comes at home against Colchester in the FA Cup on Saturday (3pm).

(Picture: Rob Noyes)