Holloway proves it’s a lonely business

Many fans of English football have a soft spot for Ian Holloway.

A manager who loves football as much as  supporters, whose wide-eyed, up-and-at-them approach connects with the everyman.

And then, of course, a quip or a leftfield analogy is never far away — there are countless web pages dedicated to his quotations.

It was, therefore, rather gut-wrenching to see him  reduced to a tired, forlorn and defeated man as he explained his reasons for quitting Crystal Palace.

He was brutally honest — perhaps too much so for his own good — and admitted he had got things badly wrong at the Eagles in their first season back in the Premier League.

When Holloway simply said “I miss my grandson” it told you all you need to know about the pressures of succeeding in the Premier League — and how solitary it must feel when you don’t get it right.

In honour of ‘Ollie’, who I’m sure will return when he’s well rested, here’s my favourite quote of his — on Cristiano Ronaldo:

“He’s six-foot something, fit as a flea, good-looking — he’s got to have something wrong with him. 

“Hopefully he’s hung like a hamster. That would make us all feel better.” n

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

8:45am

Palace are in big trouble with no manager after this week’s desperate defeat to Fulham. The Gunners should have a field day.

Prediction: 0-3

Aston Villa v Everton

Villa were beaten but far from outplayed against Spurs and, with Christian Benteke a little fitter, should cause Everton plenty of problems.

Prediction: 1-1

Liverpool v WBA

The Baggies are back on track but Liverpool, if they have realistic ambitions of staying in the top four, really need to be more ruthless than they were at Newcastle last week.

Prediction: 2-0

Man United v Stoke

Another chance for United to take the attention away from Sir Alex’s book with a victory. They will — with Wayne Rooney tucking into some goals.

Prediction: 3-0

Norwich v Cardiff

A huge game — and the defeated manager’s job will be under intense scrutiny. Norwich are struggling badly for goals but I reckon they will get it together.

Prediction: 1-0

Southampton v Fulham

1:30pm

Where did those strikes  come from? Boom! Fulham dispatched Palace convincingly but they’ll get less space at Saints.

Prediction: 2-1

SUNDAY

Sunderland v Newcastle

9:30am

Derby day in the North East and the chance for the Toon to get revenge for the defeat last season. They should, as well, because Sunderland are dire.

Prediction: 0-2

Chelsea v Man City

12pm

An interesting benchmark for both teams. The Blues are starting to look more secure and organised under Jose Mourinho so they have the edge. Torres even scored in midweek!

Prediction: 2-1

Swansea v West Ham

12pm

Will West Ham actually play a striker? One suspects they’ll need to against the slick Swans.

Prediction: 1-0

Tottenham v Hull

12pm

Hull’s keeper Allan McGregor is out, which is a blow for them. Spurs, while not free-scoring, look impressive.

Prediction: 0-1