Clubs pay tribute this Wednesday afternoon as ex-Doncaster, Torquay, Birmingham, Everton, West Brom player Paul Holmes dies age 56.
His wife said: “He has passed away peacefully after a real fight.. that without Rowcroft Hospice the last 5 weeks would have been so so much harder in fact impossible – they have allowed us to make precious memories whilst ensuring Paul was cared for and comfortable – looking after us as much as him.
“I just want it to say how he fought without complaint – need why him – he loved us all unconditionally and still trying to put others first right until the end.
“How much we will miss him and how broken our hearts are.. How proud we are and simply just how loved he is.. by so many.. I was proud to be his wife.. loved him unconditionally but am broken.
“I will find the strength to sort everything out.. but just cannot believe he is not here.. X”
Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the death of our former defender Paul Holmes.
Paul was just 56 years of age and passed away after a brave battle with cancer.
RIP, Paul. 💙
— Everton (@Everton) May 8, 2024
Heartbroken that Paul Holmes has passed away.
He was such a good man.
His treasured wife Kate would like to thank all of Paul’s well wishers over the last few months.
Please take a moment to read these beautiful words from her she wanted to share.
Rest easy Paul 💔 pic.twitter.com/DFVnMhwkQL— Helen Chamberlain (@HellsBellsy) May 8, 2024
EVERTON STATEMENT
Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the death of our former defender Paul Holmes.
Paul was just 56 years of age and passed away after a brave battle with cancer.
He joined Everton from Birmingham City in 1993 and played 28 times before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 1996.
Howard Kendall signed him, and he made his Blues debut against Ipswich Town in March 1993, alongside the likes of Neville Southall, Dave Watson and Peter Beardsley.
Arguably his best Everton memory was the 2-0 Merseyside derby win at Goodison Park in September 1993 when Mark Ward and Tony Cottee scored the goals.
His last appearance for Everton was against Feyenoord in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in October 1995 when a certain Ronald Koeman was in the visiting line-up.
Born in South Yorkshire, Paul started his professional career at Doncaster Rovers. His father, Albert, played almost 500 games for Chesterfield.
From Doncaster, Paul switched to Torquay United, for whom he played more than 150 games before being snapped up by Birmingham.
He also ended his career with Torquay and was a regular visitor to Plainmoor after hanging his boots up.
Former Everton team-mate, and current Club Ambassador, Ian Snodin said, “I knew Paul was unwell but I am deeply shocked by his passing. He was a fine player and a lovely guy to share a dressing room with. He got on well with all the lads and he was unfortunate not to play more games.”
The thoughts of everyone associated with Everton are with Paul’s wife Kate and all his family.
West Bromwich Albion are desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former player Paul Holmes, aged 56.
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) May 8, 2024
WEST BROM STATEMENT:
West Bromwich Albion are desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former player Paul Holmes, aged 56.
The defender played for the club from 1996 to 1999, making more than 100 appearances.
He came through at Doncaster Rovers before spells with Torquay, Birmingham City and Everton – who he left to join the Baggies.
Holmes then finished his professional career back in Devon after departing The Hawthorns.
Everyone at the football club sends their deepest condolences to Paul’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.
⚫️ United Mourn The Passing Of Paul Holmes
It is with deep sadness that Torquay United AFC announces the passing of former Gulls favourite Paul Holmes.
👉 https://t.co/NhWdPIBw6l#tufc pic.twitter.com/NxNcz9eAUY
— Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) May 8, 2024
TORQUAY STATEMENT:
It is with deep sadness that Torquay United AFC announces the passing of former Gulls favourite Paul Holmes.
Attacking right-back Holmes enjoyed two four-year stints at Plainmoor between 1988-1992 and 1999-2003 during a memorable playing career which also included spells at Doncaster, Birmingham, Everton and West Brom.
Following the shock announcement of his cancer diagnosis last year, many of Paul’s former teammates and clubs rallied together in a typical show of support from the Footballing Family, with the widespread generosity culminating in an afternoon held in his honour at Boots & Laces last September, when family, friends, staff, teammates and supporters all came together to show their support and affection for one of Plainmoor’s favourite sons.
Paul, with his wonderful wife, Kate, remained regular visitors to TUFC on home matchdays thereafter, and they were both guests of the Club at our final home game of the season against Havant & Waterlooville, where close friend and fellow Gull Russell Musker presented him with a shirt donated by his first professional club, Doncaster.
On learning of his passing, everyone at Torquay United extends its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Kate, the Holmes family, and all of Paul’s friends at this very sad time.
Rest in peace, Paul, and thank you for all of the wonderful memories you gave us all.
Fans and their clubs continue to pay tribute as ex-Doncaster, Torquay, Birmingham, Everton, West Brom player Paul Holmes dies age 56…
@gerrytastic: This is very sad news. I still have a Paul Holmes autograph from watching him play for Everton against Home Farm in Whitehall way back when. 56 is no age.
@bazley10:
Saw most of Paul’s games for us during his spell
He was exactly what we expect from players that wear our famous old colours he showed
Determination
Endeavour
Passion
Strength &
Never say die attitude
RIP Paul 🙏 💙
@PresidentHeller: Sad news may he Rest In Peace 💙
@AndHill2: Remember him well – RIP 😢
@PIEMAN_1962: Awful news. Remember him from his time at West Brom. Sincerest condolences to his family
@tuwbfpwltc: Sad to hear this. Definitely one of our stand out right backs of the 90’s. ☹️
@HolWBA: RIP Paul Holmes, how sad 🙁
@poolieshrew: Really sad news Helen, commiserations to all of his family. Holmesy was a great lad & made our home visits north from Torquay via Donny all the more enjoyable. RIP
@KevinMi05755252: Such sad news, played against Paul many times in Devon derby games and what a competitor. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time. RIP Paul.
@thistimesurely: Beautiful words for, it’s clear, a beautiful soul. He was a beautiful player that much I’m sure of. So young, so very sad. RIP Holmsey.
@gullssinceaboy: A fine player. What sad news.
@paullewiscooper: Super lad. Played at Doncaster Rovers with Joycey. Glad I met him at @BidefordAFC with the manager last year. Played at Everton. RIP.
@davecaldwell31: My condolences to Paul’s family during this challenging time, he was a lovely guy and will be remembered fondly. RIP Paul ❤️
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