IAN Holloway was 'absolutely delighted' to lead Swindon Town to victory over Colchester United in his first game in charge.
But the former QPR and Blackpool boss also praised the U's for their performance, following the FA Cup first-round clash at the County Ground.
Kabongo Tshimanga's extra-time strike sealed Swindon's victory, after Joel McGregor had cancelled out Harry Anderson's opener for the U's.
READ MORE: Colchester United player ratings after FA Cup first-round exit
Holloway, who was appointed as Mark Kennedy's successor last month, says he enjoyed his afternoon.
Speaking to Swindon Town's YouTube channel, Holloway said: "What a good game.
"We kicked it out, one of ours was injured and Danny's team gave us the ball back.
"That's what football is all about.
"Massive credit to them - I thought they played really, really well.
"I was shocked; I didn't know it was extra-time and penalties but never mind. I can't know everything at once.
"I just want to thank the fans - I absolutely loved every minute of it.
"My daughter, her boyfriend and my two grandsons were in there with little Ted, who lives with them as well.
"They'd never been and it was marvellous.
"They know I'm into football but they didn't know that I've got a football club and a ground like this, so thank you so much Swindon for trusting me and asking me to be here.
"I'm absolutely delighted with the boys."
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Colchester had led through Anderson's second-half strike but McGregor stepped off the bench to take the game into extra-time.
And Tshimanga netted early in the second period of extra-time, to seal Swindon's progress.
"What a week," added Holloway.
"I've asked them to be brave and do things and it's probably too much information I gave them.
"You do get a freeze factor sometimes but I didn't really see that.
"There was a bit of a mistake and Miguel (Freckleton) lost a little bit of confidence but I was going to change the shape anyway.
"Life is about seeing what the opposition are doing and then us changing to it.
"I felt I needed a midfield three and then we went behind - one of the moves that I want broke down and they scored a good goal.
"I wasn't even bothered, I've got to be honest because it's all about learning and they've done so well.
READ MORE: Match report after Colchester United are beaten at Swindon
"The character, the skill, the way they did it, the way they've listened and applied themselves.
"I asked them to play like the youth team did with the controlled aggression and we saw it everywhere, so I'm absolutely delighted for them and the crowd found their voice, so they must have liked what was going on and that's all that matters, at the end of the day.
"Can we come here, play like we can and make the fans happy and us be happy."
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