Remembering John Hollins: A Chelsea Legend
John Hollins, a former Chelsea player and manager, passed away at the age of 76. Hollins was a hero to the fans of Chelsea and contributed to the club’s trophy success. He made nearly 600 appearances for the Blues as a player between 1963 and 1975 before a three-year stint as boss from 1985. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of John Hollins, a Chelsea legend.
Early Life and Career
John Hollins was born on July 16, 1946, in Guildford, Surrey, England. He started his football career at Chelsea when he was only 15 years old. Hollins made his debut for Chelsea in 1963 and went on to become an integral part of the team. He played as a midfielder and was known for his work rate, stamina, and ability to score goals.
During his time at Chelsea, Hollins won several trophies, including the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. He was also part of the team that reached the final of the European Cup in 1971, where they lost to Real Madrid.
Managerial Career
After spells at Queens Park Rangers and Arsenal, Hollins returned to Stamford Bridge in 1983 for the final year of his playing career. He helped the club win promotion back to the First Division after a five-year absence. A year later, he replaced John Neal as boss.
Hollins’ first season as a manager was a success as the team mounted a credible title challenge during the 1985-86 season. They topped the table in February before falling away after a poor finish and ending up sixth. Despite this setback, Hollins continued to manage Chelsea for two more seasons before leaving in 1988.
After leaving Chelsea, Hollins managed several other clubs, including Swansea, Rochdale, and Stockport. His last managerial role was with Weymouth in 2008.
Legacy
John Hollins is remembered as one of Chelsea’s greatest players and managers. His appearance total of 592 in all competitions placed him fifth in Chelsea’s all-time list. He was also appointed an MBE for services to football in 1982.
Hollins was a hero to the fans of Chelsea, and his contribution to the club’s success will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a true legend of the game.
Conclusion
John Hollins was a true legend of Chelsea Football Club. He made nearly 600 appearances for the Blues as a player and managed the team for three years. He contributed to the club’s trophy success and was a hero to the fans. Hollins will always be remembered as one of Chelsea’s greatest players and managers. His legacy will live on forever.