Grimsby Town manager Ian Holloway resigns on Twitter

• Ian Holloway wrote an open letter to Grimsby Town fans via his Twitter account
• He claimed that he and the potential new owners got off on ‘the wrong footing’
• Grimsby are in 20th place in League Two following Tuesday defeat by Bradford
• Mental Health and Psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19

Ian Holloway has announced his resignation as Grimsby Town manager after penning an open letter to supporters on Twitter. In doing so he has become the first manager ever to announce his departure via social media, instead of the normal means via a club statement.

The 57-year-old had only been in charge at Blundell Park since the end of 2019 but an early disagreement with potential new owners has played a major factor in his exit.

He leaves the club 20th in League Two as they look to avoid the prospect of a relegation battle following their 2-1 defeat by Bradford City on Tuesday.

Following the defeat, Holloway announced his resignation on social media on Wednesday morning.

‘To all the fans, it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my resignation as manager of Grimsby Town Football Club,’ he wrote.

‘New wannabe owners are hovering over GTFC and John has told me he is selling his stake in the club. So it’s time for a fresh start across the board for this great club.

‘As I said recently, I intend to be fully honest with you, the supporters.

‘Contact was made by the new owners to me on several occasions before the takeover, which I felt was inappropriate, and told them as such. This is the key factor in my decision.

‘Why? The relationship between the incoming new owners, board and manager is so so important. It needs to be strong for a club to succeed, and we got off on the wrong footing.

‘Therefore, that relationship will be strained from the off, which is bad for the club.

‘This is a club that, if everybody has its best interests at heart, can progress onwards and upwards. That is their challenge. That is their honour.

‘I sincerely wish them all the best going forward and I implore them to communicate regularly and openly with the fans.’