Everton confirm death of former player Paul Holmes aged 56

Former Everton player Paul Holmes has died aged 56 after a battle with cancer.

Born in Stocksbridge, Holmes joined the Blues from Birmingham City in 1993 and made 28 appearances for the club. Everton have released a statement stating that everyone at the club “is deeply saddened” by Holmes’ death and club ambassador Ian Snodin, who was one of his team-mates at Goodison Park 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.”

Holmes lined up alongside Everton title-winner Snodin on his debut on March 24, 1993 as the Blues won 3-0 at home to Ipswich Town while Neville Southall, Matt Jackson, Andy Hinchcliffe, Dave Watson and Paul Rideout who were all part of the 1995 FA Cup-winning side were also involved that night. The right-back’s big move to Goodison Park came about by chance after manager Howard Kendall spotted him playing for Birmingham City’s reserves while scouting another player.

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In an article published by the EFC Heritage Society earlier this season, Steve Zocek quoted Holmes as saying: “I played for Birmingham reserves and was told later to go into the office where Terry Cooper had informed me that Howard Kendall from Everton had been on the phone. I thought that this was some kind of joke.

“I spoke to Howard on the phone who invited me up to play in a reserve game which is basically it. The move was a bit nerve-racking as the players there were all household names.