Ian Holloway, 62, informed fans of his operation in a passionate speech in his pre-match press conference for Swindon Town at the weekend.
The manager, who has had spells with Crystal Palace and achieved promotion with Blackpool, discussed the dangers of the sun in a plea to parents to be mindful of their children, as his side prepared for the arrival of MK Dons.
"I'm in a wonderful time in my life now. I'm getting all sorts of bits and pieces falling off me. You can see it, but I used to go out in the sun, I get skin cancer problems," he said.
"My advice to anybody is please don't do it. Don't let your kids get burnt. Don't go out there if you've got fair skin like I have. Put [Factor] 50 on, keep covered, because I can't do anything about these bits, and I've got a huge scar on the right-hand side of my face now.
Ian Holloway confirmed at the weekend he required surgery after skin cancer scarePA
He continued: “Luckily, they cut it out and they're sending it off to see. There'll probably be more bits of me in a jar somewhere than there is sat here. It looks like I've had a fight with a bear and lost. You can't hide that fact."
The iconic manager had a visible scar underneath his right eye, as he urged Robins fans to stay safe and wear sun protection.
Despite being at the club for less than one season, Holloway has been remarkably successful during his time with Swindon.
He took over the club just three points above the relegation zone, but now The Robins find themselves comfortably in mid-table - and some 20 points clear of the relegation spots.
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Ian Holloway's impact at Swindon Town is undeniable, with the club in 12th currently
PA
It was this form that earned Holloway a new contract after just five months at the club that would see him remain in charge until the end of the 2027/28 season.
His side has gained 50 points from 31 league games, and he has steered the club away from any relegation danger they found themselves in prior to his arrival.
The Bristolian was delighted with his decision to join The Robins, as he said: “Geographically it’s perfect for me being a West Country boy. I like the fact I had no ties with Swindon – never played for them, never managed them. They were deep in the mire, so it was a great challenge.
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If I’d have failed, that would’ve been me failing but I’m delighted we’re moving forward and I’m feeling good about my decision to come here."
The Robins’ chairman, Clement Morfuni, and CEO, Anthony Hall, jointly added: "Ian has revitalised the squad since his arrival back in October and moved the team in the correct direction. We really believe in the culture that Ian is creating and building here at the club."
Holloway joined Swindon after four years of footballing inactivity following him leaving Grimsby Town in 2020.
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Ian Holloway left Grimsby in 2020 and enjoyed four years out of football
PA
He spent the time out of football in typical Ian Holloway fashion: living in a motorhome and painting.
Speaking to The Sun, Holloway said: “I’ve always drawn and used charcoal, pencil and even ink but with colour it’s the tonal value that can change everything.
“I might be driving and will pull over because I’m seeing a sunset. It makes you see life, it makes you see shadows, it makes you see all sorts of things.”
Holloway is best known for his time as Blackpool boss, where he achieved play-off success and managed them in the top-flight.
