Grimsby Town have this afternoon name Ian Holloway as their new first team manager, and it’s gone down a hit with fans.
With over 600 appearances as a player and taking charge of over 950 games over a 20+ year managerial career, Ian will bring invaluable experience to the table for The Mariners. In his time as manager, he has secured promotion on three occasions, including promotion to the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Blackpool.
Grimsby Town Football Club are delighted to announce that Ian Holloway has been appointed first team manager.
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— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) December 31, 2019
THE CLUB STATEMENT:
“Majority shareholder, John Fenty has spoken exclusively to gtfc.co.uk of his delight as securing the services of Ian following extensive talks over a significant period of time.
“Grimsby Town Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Holloway as First Team Manager.
“With over 600 appearances as a player and taking charge of over 950 games over a 20+ year managerial career, Ian will bring invaluable experience to the table for The Mariners. In his time as manager, he has secured promotion on three occasions, including promotion to the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Blackpool.
“Majority shareholder, John Fenty has spoken exclusively to gtfc.co.uk of his delight as securing the services of Ian following extensive talks over a significant period of time.
“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”, said John.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“The Board would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Anthony Limbrick and Ben Davies for the improved performances during their spell in charge. We are delighted Anthony will continue in his role as Assistant Manager, working closely with Ian.”
“We hope you agree that this appointment represents a coup and illustrates the Board & fans shared, continued ambition to deliver success on and off the pitch.”
“Ian will be present at our opening game of the decade as we welcome Salford City to Blundell Park for a 3pm kick-off and will be presented to the crowd ahead of kick-off.
“You can also join us for the remainder of the season by purchasing your half-season ticket or one of our Pick Six or MEX membership packages and get behind Ollie!
“Belt up and secure your seat at Blundell Park, as this promises to be an entertaining and eventful period for the club!”
The club currently sit 21st in the League Two table, six points clear of the drop.
Fans have given their shocked reaction to the appointment of Ian Holloway at Grimsby – see those tweets on the next page.
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