Former Torquay United full back Paul Holmes has passed away at the age of 56, following a battle with cancer.
The son of former Chesterfield stalwart, Albert Holmes, Holmes started his career with Doncaster Rovers who signed for the Gulls from in 1988 alongwith his close friend Sean Joyce under the late Cyril Knowles.
Over two spells with United, between 1988 to 1992 and 1999 to 2003, Holmes made 270 appearances, scoring six goals and he also made significant contributions in two of the biggest games in the club's history.
In the 1991 Division Four Play-off final at Wembley, he was one of the Gulls' five successful spot-kicks takers as United beat Blackpool 5-4 on penalties after drawing 2-2 after normal time and extra time.
Then, ten years later, Holmes was part of a Gulls' side who pulled off one of the club's many 'great escapes' - as they beat Barnet 3-2 at Underhill in a final day relegation decider; Holmes once again made a significant impact as it was his corner that was headed home by Kevin Hill to score United's second goal of the afternoon.
In addition to this, he also won the club's player of the year award in the 1991-92 season and then earned moves to Birmingham City (£40,000), Everton (£100,000) who he appeared for in the Premier League and West Bromwich Albion (£80,000) before returning to Plainmoor for his second stint.
His career with the Gulls not only spanned generations of fans,but also players as he has the unique distinction of being a teammate of Matt Elliott, Wes Saunders and Mark Loram as well as Alex Russell, Jason Fowler and David Graham.
He can also claim to have been a teammate of Neville Southall for both Everton and Torquay United.
After he retired from playing, Holmes continued to live in South Devon and worked as a porter at Torbay Hospital. He still attended matches at Plainmoor from time to time and his former teammates gathered for a fundraising event in Boots and Laces last September, which was given the title 'An Afternoon for Holmesy' - he was also present at United's final home game of the 2023-24 season against Havant & Waterlooville.
Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends; he helped to create memories that, for those who saw him in action, will last a life-time.
