FOOTBALL stars and managers are often famed for talking more

gibberish than sense during their quest to entertain fans and

viewers with highly original phrases and poetic prose during

match-day commentaries.

While some succeed and show great punditry prowess, others

leave viewers scratching their heads in bewilderment or falling

off armchairs in amusement at the gaffes which emerge from the

mouths of these so-called experts.

Some of the most famous faux pas have been well documented

in the Colemanballs series of books, named after the

retired BBC sports commentator and king of commentary cock-ups,

David Coleman.

Now a new book is being published celebrating the bizarre

lyrical waxing of former Bristol Rovers legend Ian

Holloway.

Known universally in footballing circles as Ollie, the

ex-Rovers player and manager played more than 500 league games

for a number of different teams before rejoining the Bristol

side in 1996 as player-manager.

He later became boss of QPR before returning to the South

West to manage Plymouth Argyle.

Famously, after Plymouth Argyle's first away win under his

leadership, Holloway promised to buy each of the 700 travelling

fans a drink, firmly becoming a cult hero among the Devon

side's supporters. After his relationship with the club soured,

he went on to a disastrous spell at Leicester City, ending at

the close of last season after the Midlands club was relegated

from the Championship to League One.

As well as his footballing exploits, Ollie is famous for

some of the memorable quotations he spouted to journalists

during post-match interviews. Now his best efforts are being

preserved in The Little Book of Ollie'isms .

Published by Green Umbrella Publishing, the book contains

100 of Holloway's much-loved quotations with a scenario for

each one and Ollie's own explanations for what he said.

The Little Book of Ollie'isms will be published on August

11, priced at £7.99.