 Don't talk to me about Watford |
The Plymouth manager reflects on a promising first season in charge and how he will amuse himself with DIY during the close-season.
He also has his say on why he's unlikely to be the new Newcastle manager and Tony Blair's time as Prime Minister.
GREAT FINISH TO THE SEASON
It was very, very good in the end. The lads did well and we finished just eight points off the play-offs, which is a bit annoying but there you go.
We finished 11th and I think everyone at the club would have taken that at the start of the season. It was our highest finish since 1959 I think. Plus we got to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, although I'm still disappointed we lost after playing so well.
There's been a good feelgood factor about the place, everyone's been superb. We've won five games in a row but that doesn't mean anything now because it's all finished.
The target for next season has to be to beat whatever we've done this year. That's what you've got to do really as a manager, try and take things forward. 
SCOTT SINCLAIR'S UNLUCKY BREAK AT CHELSEA
I couldn't believe it, but such is life - he'll be fine. It's one of those world famous metatarsals, isn't it? We never even knew what one of those was until a few years ago - in other words he's broken a bone in his foot.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, it's as simple as that. He's got a very bright future ahead of him and I don't know if we'll get him back for next season. If he's getting in their first team already that might be the end for us but it's still good news for him. That's all that matters. 
HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY IN THE CLOSE SEASON?
I'm doing a bit of DIY. You know how one or two things break around your house - I'm just putting them back together. I've got my little tool belt on - lovely jubbly - you know how it is. Just call me Reg, DIY Reg! *
 Can he fix it? Yes he can! |
I do enjoy a bit of woodwork. I've got a chair here I'm fixing after one of the girls knocked the slats out of it.
I've just been up the DIY place and got myself a few proper tools because we're in the middle of moving so all ours are locked away in storage.
Any excuse to go and pick up the odd screwdriver, hammer and G-clamp and then I'm away.
A lot of managers say they get under their wives' feet during the close season but that's a bit of a cop-out - we all try and say it doesn't work, but they love us being at home really! 
* Younger readers may like to know DIY Reg was a Kenny Everett character back in the 80s.
HOLIDAYS
All the players will be jetting off to wherever and good luck to them - they deserve a rest. They've been given two dates to come in to see where they are in terms of fitness because I want them to come back fully fit and ready to train.
I haven't had a proper holiday for a while. We're going to Austria pre-season and I might take my family with me there. They like the horses so we might book a day out to see the Lipizzaner dancing horses in Vienna.
 Have you got a licence for that, sir? |
I've also got a course to do. I've got to finish off my A licence and then next season I can go on the pro licence which is good news.
My old courses don't count any more and because I didn't change them over I had to start again, which was a bit of a nuisance. It's like asking Schumacher to retake his driving test. 
PUNTER'S QUESTION
Hawey The Toon and Bosworth Geordie: "Hi Ollie, do you fancy coming and managing Newcastle United?"
Ha ha ha ha! I think Sam Allardyce might have something to say about that, don't you? It's not exactly the West Country is it? Just a little bit further up...just a little!
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But it's nice to be wanted and that's very kind of them both. I'm sure Mr Shepherd doesn't feel the same way about me as they do! Ha ha ha ha!
Newcastle's a great club and with Sunderland getting promoted and Middlesbrough already in the Premiership it will be brilliant for the area next season. Good luck to them. 
PUNTER'S QUESTION II
Ben Mays: "Hey Ian. I'm a Hull City fan and the one thing that struck when you came here last weekend was how much fun your teams and fans seem to have. I noticed your substitutes having a bit of a dance at half time and your fans were constantly singing."
I've always been happy playing football and I want my players to be happy and to express themselves - and to entertain the fans.
I've been on at the players all year about dancing. When Soccer AM did that dance-off I tried to get my players to do it because I reckon I can dance better than any one of them - all of them put together in fact. But they weren't having it.
 He's a massive Holloway fan |
As for the fans, ours just have fun. We've got such a wonderful place to live down here, so many beautiful things, and it's so mellow...unless you're down Union Street and fuelled with ale.
It's a really tranquil place and the people's sense of humour is a bit Jethro-esque.
Generally our lot aren't too expectant providing their team plays decent football. Hopefully I can goad them into wanting a bit more than that. 
PUNTER'S QUESTION III
Lod: "Hi Ollie, How do you feel about bringing Plymouth to Ashton Gate next season? I'm sure we'll give you a nice rendition of that classic "Cheer up Holloway"!
That's a bit boring now, that song. I don't know if you've heard it but it goes "Cheer up Holloway, sad lonely person who didn't know his father, with a s*** football team".
 What kept you? |
The truth is I don't need to cheer up - everybody knows I'm quite a jovial chap. I actually knew who my father was and I respected him greatly. And I've got a very good football team, so I think it's about time they thought up a new song.
Write something a bit more original - yawn, is that the time?
Anyway, it's about time you joined us. It's like that advert on the telly for Australia or New Zealand, one of them. "Your taxi's waiting, which is a boat on the water...beautiful. We've turned your shower on, which is a great big waterfall"....and the girl at the end of it says: "So where the bloody hell are ya?!"
And for the last few years I've been saying "Come on, City, where the bloody hell are ya?!" I'm a very proud man and if they want to come and try and knock us off our perch of currently being the highest West Country team, let 'em come and try.
But it's good, you need that rivalry. I wish City all the very best and I'm really looking forward to going there. I'm sure I'll get a great reception! 
NEW PRIME MINISTER FOR THE NEW SEASON
Ah yes, Mr Brown - I'm elated. He says, tongue in cheek.
 Next stop the Toon? |
When you've been re-elected three times like Tony Blair you've done very well. Whatever people think of him he's tried to do what he thought was right. Whether it's right or wrong, who knows?
I can't say I've agreed with everything he's done but I do think he's an honest man with integrity.
Maybe old Blairy could go in there and be the next manager of Newcastle - mind you he'd probably take a while to get used to the pressure! 
Interview by Chris Charles.