Ian Holloway is fired up for Millwall challenge, says skipper

Millwall captain Paul Robinson says Ian Holloway is the perfect choice to succeed Steve Lomas.

Holloway introduced himself to the squad on Tuesday in a half-hour meeting in which he laid down the ground-rules and told his new team what he expects from them.

That meeting dispelled any doubts within the squad over whether Holloway has his hunger back after quitting Crystal Palace in October, when he admitted he was “worn out”.

“When he spoke on Tuesday he had the whole room in the palm of his hand,” said Robinson. “He set down what he expects from us, how he goes about things and what he expects from us as players.

“Has he got his enthusiasm back after Palace? It certainly came across that he had. He seemed as excited as we were.

“I think he had planned to take the rest of the season off but it’s great we could convince him to take the job.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him. It’s a fantastic appointment and a real credit to the club we can bring someone in of his calibre.

“When the previous manager left I was asked who my top choice would be and I said Ian Holloway — but I didn’t know if he would take the job.”