SHANE Lowry lauded new manager Ian Holloway’s arrival at Millwall as a breath of fresh air after Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Ipswich.

Tottenham loanee Ryan Fredericks, Holloway’s first signing, scored the winner in the new manager’s debut game at The Den.

It was a welcome clean sheet for the Lions, who have the worst defensive record in the Championship, and Lowry was keen to thank the new manager for his instant impact.

“Since he has come in there has been a really positive vibe around the place,” the defender said.

“He has been absolutely brilliant. He has been a breath of fresh air around the place and makes you feel 10 feet tall before you go out on that pitch.

“There is nothing better than getting a vote of confidence from your gaffer.

“Even if you make a mistake you know he is going to back you 100 percent as long as you give everything for him.”

Saturday’s 1-0 win was the Lions’ first in seven league games and Millwall fans will hope it is a sign of things to come under Holloway.

It was certainly a battling performance from Millwall and Lowry believes it is one the team can build on as they bid to pull clear of the relegation zone.

“From the start you could see we were on the front foot and a special mention to the fans because they were right behind us from the first minute,” he said.

“We are delighted with ourselves in the dressing room but we need to continue this form, especially at home.

“No one likes losing, it is just things haven’t been clicking for us.

“After a lot of organisation in training and a lot of ideas put across to us, we have all bought into it.

“One win doesn’t mean anything, though, we have to kick on from this.”

Lowry’s contract is up in the summer but with things looking up under Holloway he is keen to earn a new deal.

He explained: “With the new gaffer it has obviously been really good and I have really liked his ideas.

“He wants to take us as a group and expects very high standards and above that as well which is ideal for us.

“There is not much happening with my contract at the moment but I am an open-minded person and we will just have to wait and see.

“I am glad to be back playing football and if I put in good performances hopefully everything will just take care of itself.”

Millwall now head off for a week of warm-weather training in Portugal where Holloway will to his new players through their paces.

And Lowry believes it is a good move from the manager.

He said: “It’s a great idea for the lads and for the club.

“It binds us together through team bonding so I am happy to be going there.

“But I am happy that we are going there to graft as well because if we are going to play in this league at the tempo we played today we are going to need it.”

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