Ian Holloway spotted managing Swindon from the stands despite not starting new job until Monday

IAN HOLLOWAY was spotted managing Swindon from the stands despite not yet officially starting his new role.

The maverick manager was appointed Robins boss on a deal until the end of the season, replacing the sacked Mark Kennedy.

Ian Holloway dished out instructions from the touchlineRob Noyes

Rob NoyesHe even consulted with Swindon coaches[/caption]

Rob NoyesHolloway took up a seat in the stands[/caption]

Swindon announced Holloway would begin his tenure on Monday but the incoming boss was at the County Ground on Saturday casting an eye over his new team.

However he could not resist the urge to get involved and he walked down the stand to the touchline where he began barking out instructions.

The former Premier League boss even went up to the Swindon dugout as began consulting with Swindon coaches.

His new team needed all the help they could get as they went a man down just nine minutes into the clash with defender Grant Hall receiving a red card.

Minutes later Timothee Dieng opened the scoring for Gillingham but Swindon held firm and grabbed a dramatic last-minute equaliser through Harry Smith.

Holloway, 61, is known for fostering a strong team spirit in his squads and it appears he is already having a positive influence.

Fans loved Holloway’s antics with one reacting saying: “Showing more passion than that clown Kennedy in 45 mins.”

Another added: “Certainly worked his magic.”

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A third wrote: “Oh this is gonna be fun!!!!”

And another commented: “He was cracking, from the DR stands wee were playing ‘where’s Holloway’ ”