Ian Holloway's arrival as Millwall manager has undoubtedly added an extra dimension to Town’s next match.

The John Smith’s side had three Championship encounters with the 50-year-old last season, and the last of them, in January, ended in controversy.

Holloway, whose Crystal Palace side were beaten 1-0, was furious at then-Town striker Alan Lee, who he accused of elbowing midfielder Mile Jedinak.

Town and Palace had drawn 1-1 at Selhurst Park five weeks earlier, while Holloway started the season in charge of Blackpool, beaten 3-1 at Bloomfield Road by Town in September.

The Bristolian did enjoy victory in Huddersfield in March 2003, when he was manager of QPR, who clinched a 3-0 League I triumph.

And he will clearly want a repeat at the John Smith’s this Saturday in his first match in charge of Millwall, who are just one place above the relegation zone and without a win in five in the league and six in all competitions.

Holloway cited exhaustion when he parted company with Palace in October, having paid Town £2m for right-back Jack Hunt during the August transfer window.

But he’s refreshed and ready for the challenge of keeping Millwall up, and chairman John Berylson has pledged funds for squad strengthening.

The Lions sacked Steve Lomas on Boxing Day, having only appointed the former Manchester City, West Ham, QPR and Northern Ireland midfielder in June.

Holloway, who has also managed Bristol Rovers, where he had three separate spells as a player, Plymouth and Leicester, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract.

And Millwall are keen to replicate the success and stability enjoyed under Kenny Jackett, who had six years at the helm before leaving for Wolves last summer.

“Since the departure of Kenny Jackett in May we have all learned some difficult lessons,” said Berylson.

“Under Kenny we enjoyed a period of stability in which all elements within the club, the board, management, staff, players and fans were pulling together in the same direction.

“Our aim is to rediscover that formula that stood us in such good stead and I am disappointed with the way things have developed over the past six months.

“Where mistakes have been made, they have been honest ones and decisions taken were with the best interests of the club at heart.

“I understand the passion and desire of our fans to see Millwall become successful once again, and I know that the biggest driver for this to happen is for everyone to pull together.

“The fact that we have been able to attract someone of Ian Holloway’s calibre and track record is testament to the fact that he shares our view of the potential we have.

“We have demonstrated both the level of our ambition and commitment towards re-establishing ourselves as a competitive Championship club.

“But we are under no illusions that our first priority under Ian’s leadership is to ensure we maintain our Championship status.

“The new manager inherits an experienced and talented squad that has not been playing to its potential, but he will receive the backing of the board to strengthen as he deems necessary.”

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