Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has shared his perspective on the upcoming Round of 16 Vertu Trophy match against Birmingham City, scheduled for Tuesday night. Holloway sees the clash with the League One leaders as a “free shot,” emphasizing the excitement surrounding the challenge his League Two side will face. Birmingham City, currently unbeaten in 12 matches, are not only dominating their league but also advancing in multiple competitions, including the FA Cup and EFL Trophy.
Swindon recently drew 0-0 with Crewe in a fog-affected match, a result that satisfied Holloway following a 2-0 defeat to Notts County. He noted the team’s steady improvement since he took over in October, replacing Mark Kennedy. Under Holloway’s guidance, the Robins have won six and drawn six of 17 matches, climbing five points clear of the relegation zone. While his primary goal remains securing their place in the Football League, Holloway welcomes the opportunity to test his side against Chris Davies’ Birmingham team, which he described as a powerhouse backed by American ownership.
Holloway expressed optimism about the upcoming match during an interview on Swindon’s official website, reflecting on the fans’ support in recent games. He highlighted their unbeaten streak at home in four matches, with three wins and one draw, as a source of encouragement. “Hopefully, the fans feel as excited as I do,” he said, adding that the game against Birmingham offers a rare opportunity to face a top-tier opponent without pressure.
However, Swindon will be without several key players, including Harrison Minturn, Joel McGregor, and former Birmingham loanee Grant Hall. Rosaire Longelo, whose brother Manny previously played for Birmingham, is also sidelined with a minor knee issue. Additionally, new loan signing Tom Nichols, acquired from Mansfield Town, is cup-tied and ineligible for the game. Despite these setbacks, Holloway remains optimistic about his team’s performance, emphasizing the positive atmosphere within the club and the importance of fan support.
Meanwhile, Birmingham City continues to perform strongly on multiple fronts. They recently secured a 2-1 victory over Lincoln to advance to the FA Cup Fourth Round and remain at the top of League One with games in hand. Birmingham aims to replicate their historic success from 1995 by winning both the EFL Trophy and promotion in the same season. With their depth of talent and recent form, they are clear favorites heading into the clash with Swindon.
The Vertu Trophy match promises to be a challenging but thrilling encounter, as Swindon Town looks to defy the odds against a Birmingham City side riding high on momentum and ambition.