IAN HOLLOWAY has returned to football as the new manager of Grimsby Town.
The 56-year-old held talks with the Mariners earlier this week before agreeing an undisclosed contract on Tuesday.
Ian Holloway has been appointed the new manager of Grimsby TownCredit: Getty Images
Holloway, who last job was with QPR in 2018, takes over with the club winless since September and currently sitting 21st in League Two.
He replaces interim manager Anthony Limbrick at Blundell Park, although he will be kept on as part of Holloway’s backroom team.
Grimsby’s majority shareholder John Fenty told GTFC.co.uk: “In an initial call to Ian lasting over two hours, it was clear he was interviewing me. He wanted to know about the project, no holds barred.
“This led to a meeting at Papa’s fish restaurant in Cleethorpes. Anyone who knows Ian will know that his lovely wife Kim is always part of his decision making and she was also with us. The interview continued for another 4 hours, Ian wanted to know even more about the club, its workings and much more.
His infectious love for the game shone through immediately, a desire and enthusiasm which saw him play almost 600 games and, going on to manage over 950 games.
Grimsby Town majority shareholder John Fenty on Ian Holloway’s appointment
“His infectious love for the game shone through immediately, a desire and enthusiasm which saw him play almost 600 games and, going on to manage over 950 games.”
Fenty continued: “Following spells as manager at Bristol Rovers, two spells at Queens Park Rangers, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Millwall, Ian placed on record his burning desire to join our wonderful old club, stating publicly on the EFL on Quest TV show recently that he would only get back into football ‘with a club I could work with and have a chance to improve a wonderful old club and that’s what I feel Grimsby would be for me’.
“Ian will soon achieve the rare personal accomplishment of 1,000 games in professional League management. Holloway will be joining the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Sir Bobby Robson, Graham Taylor, Brian Clough, Lawrie McMenemy, Alan Buckley & Lenny Lawrence in the history books with this milestone.”
Fenty added: “The board believes securing someone of Ian’s experience and reputation demonstrates our commitment to bring success back to Blundell Park. We believe his track record of achieving success at unfashionable, underperforming clubs makes him an attractive long-term appointment.
“Ian and Kim have committed to selling up and moving into the area, seeing Grimsby as a long-term project. He will also acquire shares in the club and will commit to attending full board meetings. In the short term, we believe his positive energy and hunger for success will provide the impetus, to convert our recent positive performances into results into the New Year and beyond.”
Holloway will be in attendance to watch Grimsby’s home game tomorrow against Salford City.
He will take charge of his first game away to Mansfield Town on Saturday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
