Holloway delighted with result

Last updated : 24 September 2003 By Mark O' Haire

Ian Holloway was a happy man after his side pulled off a shock against First Division Sheffield United.

"I'm absoloutly delighted. I thought we closed, we worked, we were calm and we didn't get caught up in any drama with the referee."

With Gnohere cup-tied, Terrell Forbes moved into the centre of defence and Ollie was keen to stress how the back four coped with a side that had scored a total of 10 goals in the last two home games.

"I want to single the back four out. We only trained with them for 40 minutes yesterday but you would of thought they had been playing together for a long, long time. "

"I want competition for places and we are working on it. I want to be where this wonderful team is. I think some of my players can play at this level and that is what I am after."

"This was one of my calmest evenings, because we are not normally the underdog, if we came here and got beat everyone would of expected it."

When asked about Steve Palmer being relegated to the subs bench Ollie stressed that he still had a big part to play after Kevin Gallen wore the Captain's armband.

"Steve Palmer is a model professional, I like people to feel their place is under threat. Steve Palmer is still my club captain but I thought Kevin Gallen did a wonderful job out there tonight."

A clearly delighted Holloway finished up by praising his squad.

"This is about a strong a squad I've had to select from since I have been here. I'm going home very happy, have a nice day with my family tomorrow before a big game for me on Saturday, Bristol City!"