Opinion: Plymouth Argyle had the last laugh after Ian Holloway’s controversial move to Leicester City

While many might laugh at Ian Holloway’s quirky remarks about badgers, teabags, and whatever else crosses his mind, there was nothing humorous about the way he left Plymouth Argyle for Leicester City in 2007.

 

At the time, Plymouth seemed on the verge of something special, so Holloway’s decision to leave for the Foxes still stings for the Green Army.

 

As a result, it’s unlikely Holloway will ever be a guest of honor at Home Park again.

 

However, Plymouth had the last laugh during the 2007/08 season.

 

They played a key role in Leicester’s relegation to the third tier, and many Argyle supporters savored the moment as their former manager watched helplessly.

 

Ian Holloway Leaves Plymouth Argyle for Leicester City

 

The departure happened almost overnight. One moment, Holloway was praising Argyle and their future prospects, and the next, he was shaking hands with Milan Mandaric at Leicester City after agreeing to a three-and-a-half-year deal.

 

The sudden switch left many at Home Park feeling betrayed, much like they did more recently when Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher made similar moves.

 

At the time, Plymouth fans believed they had something special brewing with Holloway, who delivered inspiring speeches and created an atmosphere of optimism around the club.

 

Under his leadership, Argyle played some of the best football in their history, showing a never-say-die attitude and an impressive roster of talent.

 

The club even had aspirations of breaking into the Championship’s top six.

 

But almost overnight, the excitement turned to despair and anger.

 

Holloway left the South West for the Midlands, abandoning Argyle as he sought bigger and better opportunities.

 

At his unveiling with Leicester, Holloway said: “Once you make a decision in life, it has to be from the heart. I just felt that I couldn’t turn this down. I can’t wait to get started.

 

“I’ve met the lads down at the training ground, told them how I feel and what I expect. Hopefully, in the weeks to come, people will understand and get to know me.

 

I’m going to be so enthusiastic because I love every day of my life.

 

This is a whole new challenge, a whole new ballpark. I feel like I’ve been acting in Coronation Street all my life and now I’m in King Lear.”

 

Holloway believed he was about to step onto a grand stage, but in reality, he was about to star in the Leicester City pantomime, where his role was anything but heroic.

 

Holloway’s Struggles at Leicester and Argyle’s Sweet Revenge

 

While Plymouth welcomed back club legend Paul Sturrock as Holloway’s replacement, the former manager struggled at Leicester.

 

Despite winning his first match in charge against Bristol, things quickly unraveled.

 

Leicester failed to win any of their next seven league games, and by Christmas, the club was sinking deeper into relegation trouble.

 

For Argyle fans, seeing their former boss falter was satisfying.

 

When they traveled to the Midlands in February to face Holloway’s Leicester for the first time, they arrived with a sense of vengeance.

 

The away section at the King Power Stadium was loud and passionate, as the Green Army made their feelings toward Holloway known.

 

By that point, even Leicester’s home fans were growing frustrated, with only four wins in 15 league matches under Holloway’s leadership.

 

Plymouth fans had even more reason to celebrate when Peter Halmosi scored after 30 minutes, giving Argyle the lead.

 

As their former boss watched on, perhaps wondering what might have been if he had stayed in Devon, the Green Army basked in the moment.

Plymouth held on for a 1-0 victory, a sweet moment of revenge for the traveling supporters who knew they had one over on their old manager.

 

Leicester’s form continued to deteriorate, and by the end of the season, they found themselves fighting for survival.

 

A draw with Stoke City on the final day wasn’t enough to keep them up, and Leicester was relegated to the third tier for the first time in their history.

 

Argyle, who finished the season comfortably in the Championship, could take pride in having played a role in Leicester’s downfall.

 

Holloway’s Legacy and the Aftermath

 

Holloway’s decision to leave Plymouth for Leicester has become a defining moment in his managerial career.

 

While he likely saw the move as a step up, it ended in disaster.

 

His tenure at Leicester was brief and unsuccessful, with the club’s relegation marking a low point in both his career and the club’s history.

 

For Plymouth Argyle and their fans, Holloway’s downfall was a form of poetic justice.

 

They had been left in the lurch by a manager they believed in, only to see him fail at his new club.

 

The fact that Argyle contributed to Leicester’s relegation made it even sweeter.

 

Holloway’s return to Home Park is unlikely, and his time at Plymouth will always be remembered with mixed emotions.

 

In football, loyalty is often fleeting, and managers, like players, move on to new challenges.

 

However, Holloway’s departure from Plymouth Argyle still stands out as a moment of betrayal for the Green Army.

 

The club had been on the verge of something special, and Holloway’s decision to leave left a bitter taste in the mouths of many supporters.

 

Looking back, Argyle’s role in Leicester’s relegation offered some consolation. It was a reminder that while managers and players may come and go, the loyalty and passion of the fans remain.

 

For Plymouth, that 1-0 victory at the King Power Stadium was more than just three points—it was a moment of vindication and a victory for the Green Army.