Millwall boss Ian Holloway believes his Blues counterpart Mick McCarthy is the best manager in the Championship.

In a mammoth 27-minute post-match press conference after Town had defeated the Lions 3-1, Holloway was asked whether he feels the teams such as Town at the top of the division this year are further ahead of the pack than in previous season.

He said: “I really don’t think there’s too much difference in quality, I think Mick’s the best manager in the Championship.

“He’s won the title twice and what he’s done at Ipswich has been fantastic, he’s had a high turnover of players and he’s managed to get a group who know what they’re doing and are doing it well and good luck to them.”

Holloway added: “I think the standard’s got tougher. I think the managers are better because the ones that got kicked out of the Premier League are in this division and they’re all of a level. They’ve all achieved promotion to that level.”

Despite his much-changed side’s defeat, Holloway wasn’t too downcast by their performance and was pleased with the way the fans got behind his team, who are 22nd in the Championship and have won just once in their last 14 games in all competitions.

“I thought the atmosphere today, the way the crowd stuck with us after going two goals down in 14 minutes, was absolutely terrific because they could see the spirit of the lads," he said.

“They stuck with the lads and the lads felt that and got back in it by half-time. I was pretty encouraged.”

Photo: Action Images

warktheline added 06:41 - Jan 19 I thank you Mr Holloway. Let's all appreciate what we have right now, the best manager in the Championship!
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howdonblue added 07:11 - Jan 19 Agree walktheline In mick we trust and have from day 1
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Mark added 07:56 - Jan 19 Bottom of the table, 4 straight league defeats, 12 league games without a win...then in walked Mick. I still can't quite believe we managed to get him, but he has lived up to his reputation and then some.
14

BlueMachines added 08:20 - Jan 19 I didn't think it possible. Someone who likes MM more than warktheline.....
4

MarkFish added 08:37 - Jan 19 I recall when MM took the job here i was bitterly dissapointed that ollie didnt get it as they were both in the running. I admit now i got it wrong. MM is a miracle man.
8

ArnieMsBigToe added 08:59 - Jan 19 Please don't forget Terry Connor. He's the other half of the deadly duo!!
18

irishtim added 09:17 - Jan 19 MM legend and genuine nice guy. Thanks Mick and Terry.
5

Arthur added 09:22 - Jan 19 I didn't joint the "you're getting sacked in the morning" chant ... and pleased I didn't. I can't help but like the guy ... hope he turns it round.
7

karls_dad added 09:30 - Jan 19 Don,t you think our Mr Holloway looks terribly ill! it struck me on Saturday how drawn he looked on the stream, hope he,s ok, opinions?
1

chevvymalc added 09:36 - Jan 19 Well done Mr. Holloway at last a honest post match comment on our performance and theirs no we played badly they were lucky or Referee bashing. RESPECT!!
3

petermorris added 09:45 - Jan 19 blueboy1981 - have you read what Ian Holloway thinks? Is he in “children's corner” as well?
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loudnproud added 10:05 - Jan 19 Ian Holloway is also a well liked and respected man manager whom i would have liked here with us . What he achieved with Plymouth and Blackpool in putting sides together on a budget is great. Millwall are still a selling club and its difficult when your owners sell some of your hard earned assets......As For Ian looking poorly....Have to agree,He is looking tired and withdrawn,Do hope he is okay.

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Razor added 10:25 - Jan 19 I actually think Millwall OK today and glad we played them now---when their new signings bed in I can see them turning it around. I really hope so as Olly is one of the few guys I genuinely like and respect in football.He is always nice about our club and even when Blackpool hammered us 6-1 a few years ago he laid off and said they had some lucky breaks in the first half.

3

jas0999 added 12:24 - Jan 19 Completely agree.
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halsteadblue added 14:15 - Jan 19 And so say all of us............COYB
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