Ollie: The Autobiography of Ian Holloway

by Ian Holloway

Ollie is more than just a football book - this is a story of personal grit and determination. Ian Holloway is one of football's most fascinating characters as well as being a highly respected football coach. He controversially moved from Plymouth Argyle, whilst seventh from top in the Championship and with a real chance of making the play-offs, to relegation-threatened Leicester City, a club in freefall who had already had four managers in the previous 12 months. Why did he really quit Argyle? What exactly happened at Leicester? His tenure at The Walkers Stadium ended after a difficult six month period amid much turmoil and rumour. Now, for the first time, Ollie tells his own side of the most dramatic period of his career and reveals the truth about his departure from Argyle as well as finally responding to numerous outlandish claims aimed at him by people he once trusted. Ollie tells his story from his days as an apprentice at Bristol Rovers through to his playing days at the highest level with QPR and updates his story from the recent events in his personal life through to the most difficult decision in his career. He has had many personal battles to overcome, not least illness and learning that his three daughters were born profoundly deaf, whilst playing and managing. "Ollie" is a fantastic read for all football fans. After a year out of football, he's back and enjoying what he does best again as manager of Blackpool. This book will set the record straight once and for all.

Genres: Football

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2013

Reviews

[John Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't help but love this guy. Very honest, endearing, and often poignant account of the life in football. As a player and manager, he was hard-working and never lost sight of his west country roots and the importance of family. Recommended.

[mr j w gillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amused

Great to find out a bit more about a genuine funny bloke. Good stories and down to earth. Well worth a read.

[Kenneth Cowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average read

I was expecting more from the book. Although Ollie is a great character the book didn't grab my interest and was easy to put down after a chapter or two.

[Wayne Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough depth to his stories, was expecting more