London: Ian Holloway returned to football on Monday as manager of Millwall.
Holloway finds himself back in football at another south London club after leaving Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace in October, having overseen the Eagles’ promotion to the top flight.
The 50-year-old replaced Steve Lomas who was sacked last month after winning just five out of 22 games.
Millwall are currently only one point above the second-tier Championship relegation zone and bowed out of the FA Cup with a 4-1 defeat by fourth tier Southend on Saturday.
“Millwall Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed with Ian Holloway for him to become new manager following the departure of Steve Lomas on Boxing Day.
“Ollie is set to take up his new position this week and will be in charge of the team for the Championship fixture at Huddersfield Town on Saturday,” a club statement said.
Lions chairman John Berylson, who promised to back Holloway in the transfer market, added: “The fact that we have been able to attract someone of Ian’s calibre and track record is testament to the fact that he shares our view of the potential we have to progress as a club and to move forward.
“In our determination to bring Ian in on a two-and-a-half-year contract, we have demonstrated both the level of our ambition and commitment towards re-establishing ourselves as a competitive Championship club, and in due course challenging towards the top end of this division.
“We are under no illusions that our first priority under Ian’s leadership is to ensure we maintain our Championship status,” the American businessman explained.
“The new manager inherits an experienced and talented squad that has not been playing to its potential so far this season. He will receive the backing of the board to strengthen as he deems necessary.”
Holloway previously took Blackpool into the Premier League in 2010 and has also managed Bristol Rovers, QPR, Plymouth and Leicester.
