Ian Holloway sends desperate plea to fans after skin cancer scare and operation

Ian Holloway has urged fans to stay protected from the sun after his recent skin cancer scare. The Swindon Town boss underwent an operation last week to remove a growth on his face.

He took charge of the Robins just days later in their final game of the League Two season against MK Dons. Holloway has enjoyed a storied career and earned a place as one of the cult heroes of management.

He has spent memorable spells in charge of , and Queen's Park Rangers, as well as remarkably leading Blackpool into the . The 62-year-old has been in charge of Swindon since October.

In his time at the County Ground, Holloway has successfully led the Wiltshire team away from relegation danger and into the top half. But ahead of the visit of MK Dons, Holloway had his focus elsewhere.

The legendary boss has disclosed that he had to go under the knife last week to remove a growth on his face. That growth is now being tested by doctors, with Holloway now urging fans to stay safe in the sun.

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"I'm in a wonderful time in my life now. I'm getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me. You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems," Holloways said ahead of the clash with MK Dons.

"My advice to anybody is please don't do it. Don't let your kids get burnt. Don't go out there if you've got fair skin like I have. Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can't do anything about these bits, and I've got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.

"Luckily they cut it out and they're sending it off to see. There'll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here. It looks like I've had a fight with a bear and lost. You can't hide that fact."

After the game, Swindon's social media accounts sent their best wishes to their manager, posting: "Speedy recovery, Gaffer." Fans sent their own messages, with one writing: "Get well soon Ollie. What a guy!"

A second added: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ollie." While a third said: "Get well soon, football is better with you involved." And a fourth concluded: "What a bloke. All the best Ian."

Following a successful start to his reign, Holloway penned a long-term contract extension in March. That deal will keep him at Swindon until at least 2028, with the iconic manager looking forward to his future.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract at the club. This club is much more than a project, the building of a club, the rebuilding of a club, and that's how I look at it, and I'm honoured to be trusted with that," he said at the time.

"Everything has connected me with the club since I arrived in October, the community that we have here at Swindon, and really opened my eyes to how fantastic this club can be.

"Obviously, the area, what I want the lads to give back, and we will ensure that our fanbase grows and our fans do more to meet and connect with our supporters, and it's really important that they buy into why they are here and why it's so important."

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