Ian Holloway is 'made for Millwall', says coach Marc Bircham

Millwall coach Marc Bircham believes the Lions and their recently-appointed manager Ian Holloway are a perfect fit.

Bircham started his playing career with Millwall before being signed for QPR by Holloway in 2002.

The 35-year-old, a lifelong R's fan, left his job as Under-21s boss at Loftus Road to return to Millwall as first-team coach last week.

"Ian Holloway is made for this club. The supporters will love him," Bircham told BBC London 94.9.

"He's a success, an energetic man and I think he'll get it right."

Holloway, who left Premier League side Crystal Palace in October, got his first win as Lions boss at The Den when loan signing Ryan Fredericks' goal gave them a 1-0 victory against Ipswich on Saturday.

Millwall had drawn one and lost six of their previous seven matches and their poor results led to Steve Lomas losing his job as manager.

But Bircham is confident the new boss' enthusiasm will help steer the Championship club away from relegation danger.

"I've kept in touch with him since he left QPR and he's the same as he was when I was a player there," said Bircham.

"He's the most honest, charismatic, bubbly man you could meet in football. You cannot not like him.

"I've always said that the best thing about Ian Holloway is that he gets a squad of players wanting to play for him.

"He treats you as you want to be treated as a player. He's so likeable and that's why I think he'll do well at this club.

"That's why I decided to give up a job at QPR, where I could probably have stayed for many years, so I could be a part of Ian Holloway's Millwall."