Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has admitted that his side’s crushing 4-0 defeat at Colchester United earlier this season remains one of the most painful moments of his managerial career.
He also listed a game against Morecambe in a blizzard, and dropping to the foot of the EFL as moments he has struggled to process this season.
Colchester’s first-half dominance
In what was a stunning first-half display at the JobServe Community Stadium, Colchester ran riot with four goals in the space of just 29 minutes. Harry Smith’s own goal set the tone before Samson Tovide netted twice, and Jack Payne added another to complete a nightmare opening spell for the visitors.
The defeat saw Swindon slump to the bottom of League Two, leaving Holloway’s men in deep trouble. However, since that demoralising evening in Essex, the Robins have found form, losing just three league matches and climbing to 15th place—17 points clear of the relegation zone.
Holloway reflects on early struggles
Speaking to Sky Sports about his return to football management, Holloway did not hold back when recalling the heavy loss.
“There were a couple of games that will haunt me for the rest of my life. 4-0 down after 20 minutes against Colchester away, losing to Morecambe at home during a blizzard, dropping to the bottom of all four divisions in England—it wasn’t nice.”
The Swindon boss praised the resilience of his players and the togetherness that has helped them fight back in the second half of the campaign.
“It’s great how people have pulled together, worked hard, pulled their head up high and played for this badge,” he added. “For me, that’s what it’s all about. Everyone has got a smile on their face now. I feel alive now I’m back in football.”
A season of mixed results
Colchester and Swindon have already met three times this season, with each game producing plenty of drama. While the U’s dominated the league fixture in Essex, Swindon gained revenge with a 3-2 victory on New Year’s Day, which remains Colchester’s last away defeat in League Two. The two sides also clashed in the FA Cup first round, where Swindon edged past Colchester with a 2-1 win after extra time.
Writer’s view
Holloway’s early struggles at Swindon are a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. That 4-0 hammering at Colchester could have been a breaking point, but instead, it became a catalyst for improvement. The Robins’ resurgence is a testament to the work done behind the scenes, and with mid-table security now within reach, Holloway will be determined to build on this momentum next season.
