Millfield footballers speak to former professional, manager and pundit Ian Holloway

Millfield football students were given the opportunity to take part in a live Q&A session with one of the sport’s best-known former managers and pundits, Ian Holloway. The former professional was most recently the manager of Grimsby Town, after a successful playing career at Bristol Rovers, Wimbledon, Brentford, and Queens Park Rangers. He has also managed Queens Park Rangers, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Millwall. 

The Q&A provided an excellent opportunity for the footballers to learn from a very experienced and successful footballer and manager. Ian spoke about challenges he’s faced throughout his managerial career and beyond that, explaining that the outcome of an event is dependent on how you react to it. The former manager also spoke about his experience leading Blackpool to promotion to the premier league in the 2009/10 season and Millfield 1^st team manager Scott Laird his professional debut for Plymouth. Ian was asked what made him put that trust in Mr Laird and give him his debut to which he explained that he “knew that Scott would, at the very least, work for his team and do everything in his power to win.” He went on to explain that hard work was an attribute that he valued very highly and that in order for young players to succeed, they must work harder than anyone else.

He also discussed his family life and how he dealt with the birth of his twins, both of whom are deaf, explaining a simple equation that he has followed his whole life: E+R=O, Event + Reaction = Outcome, which resonated with many students.

The Q&A provided everyone with more motivation to continue working hard during lockdown and an excellent insight into what it takes to be at the top, and stay there. 

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