Exclusive: Pundit issues exciting prediction on “sleeping giant” Swindon Town under Ian Holloway | OneFootball

Joe Jacobson has told FLW that he expects Swindon Town to be pushing for promotion next season under Ian Holloway.

Joe Jacobson has backed Swindon Town to be in the mix for promotion from League Two under Ian Holloway next season.

The 62-year-old has had an eventful managerial career that has included managing Blackpool and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

However, he agreed to join the Robins back in October, at a time when they were just three points above the relegation zone in the fourth tier.

Ian Holloway makes positive Swindon Town impact

Yet, under his guidance, Swindon have kicked on considerably.

They are now 20 points above the bottom two and comfortably in mid-table, with Holloway’s side having played some excellent, attacking football in that period.

So, there is hope for a bright future at the County Ground, and the hierarchy moved to agree a new deal with the experienced boss, who recently signed a fresh contract that runs until the summer of 2028.

Joe Jacobson expecting big things from Swindon Town next season

That optimism is shared by former Wycombe skipper turned EFL pundit Jacobson, as he exclusively told FLW that Swindon will be challenging for a top three finish next season, as he also explained how Holloway’s reputation will help the club in the market this summer.

“Swindon are a huge club at that level. They’ve been a bit of a sleeping giant over the past few years and they’ve had off-field problems.

“But, they’ve got a manager in Ian Holloway who has football in his blood, hasn’t he!? He’s one of those that will go on forever, football is his life. He’s desperate to do well there, he’s got an opportunity, he has just managed his 1,000th game and he has really turned the corner with Swindon.

“He has got them playing some really good, attractive football, like he does wherever he goes. So, I fully expect Swindon to be in the mix next season, and if Holloway is there, he will be able to attract players to the football club.

“When the County Ground is rocking, it’s a tough place to go, and I fully expect them to be challenging next season.”

Swindon Town must back Ian Holloway this summer

Most would agree with that, as Holloway has changed the mentality around the club, and the attacking football has been a joy to watch at times.

Obviously, the summer window is always crucial, and despite the improvements, the manager will want to freshen things up over his first full summer window.

So, it’s now about backing him where possible, and, if they can add two or three real quality players, then most would agree with Jacobson’s assessment that they will be in and amongst those challenging for promotion in 12 months' time.