Emotional Holloway savours winning return

Ian Holloway described his return to management as “bizarre” after QPR began his second reign as boss with a 2-1 victory against 10-man Norwich.

Holloway, back in charge following Rangers’ recent sacking of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, was given a hero’s reception at Loftus Road.

And there was an extraordinary start to his first match back at the helm, with Norwich’s Martin Olsson sent off for a handball on the line and Tjaronn Chery missing the resulting penalty – all in the first two minutes.

Chery was then involved in both Rangers goals. Conor Washington netted following the Dutchman’s corner and Sebastian Polter made it 2-0 after being put through by Chery’s glorious pass.

Holloway said: “To get that welcome, I felt emotional. What joy.

“When I heard the ‘Hoops’ song being played, I had to steady myself in the tunnel. It’s my favourite song and I didn’t want to go out there with a tear in my eye.

“Then, it was so bizarre. I’ve never seen an incident like that so early in a game and then we missed the penalty.

“After the flat line I’ve been living, what a reintroduction! I feel like I’ve been on one of those rides at Disneyworld.”

Rangers lost their way somewhat in the second half, particularly after Steven Naismith pulled a goal back with 13 minutes remaining.

“We got a lot of things wrong and I could see a lack of belief after Norwich scored. We stopped passing and using the extra man,” Holloway admitted.

“But I was looking for character and I know we have it. Long may that continue.

“To win games at this level you always need a bit of luck. All teams will have minutes (of pressure) no matter how many players they have on the pitch.

“Phew. We’ve got the three points and now I can show them. Because that’s what you do; you do it, you review it, and then you redo it.”

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