Ian Holloway: Millwall set to appoint ex-Crystal Palace manager

Millwall are set to appoint former Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway as their new manager.

The 50-year-old left Palace by mutual consent in October after less than a year in charge of the club.

Holloway has agreed terms on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Lions and is due to take charge later this week.

Millwall, who are 21st in the Championship table, have been without a manager since they sacked Steve Lomas on Boxing Day.

Lomas was fired just six months after he took charge at The Den following a poor start to the season which saw Millwall lose 11 of their opening 22 league games.

Former Lions striker Neil Harris was appointed caretaker manager but failed to win any of his three matches in charge and saw the south London club knocked out of the FA Cup by League Two side Southend United on Saturday.

Millwall chairman John Berylson said Holloway's appointment demonstrated the level of the club's ambition and their commitment to re-establishing themselves as a competitive Championship club.

"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," Berylson told the club website.

"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 so far this season.

"There have been some harsh words exchanged of late. Now is the time for disunity to stop and for us all to unite behind Ian Holloway, his staff and the players as they seek to restore Millwall Football Club both on and off the field."

Holloway returns to management less than three months after his exit from Crystal Palace.

The former Bristol Rovers and QPR midfielder began his managerial career with Bristol Rovers in 1996 and has since had spells in charge of QPR, Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Blackpool and Crystal Palace.

Holloway won promotion to the Premier League with Blackpool via the play-offs in 2010 and, following relegation the following season, reached the Championship play-off final again in 2012.

The Seasiders lost to West Ham on that occasion and the following November Holloway left Bloomfield Road to join Palace on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

He led the Eagles to promotion in May last year when an extra-time Kevin Phillips penalty secured victory in the play-off final against Watford at Wembley.

However, after only one win from Palace's opening eight Premier League fixtures this season, he departed Selhurst Park.

Millwall expect to finalise Holloway's appointment before their trip to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.