Nick Holmes

Club career

Southampton Holmes was an apprentice with Southampton in the early 1970s. He made his first team debut on 2 March 1974 away to Arsenal. Between these two Wembley appearances, he was an integral member of the Southampton team that gained promotion from Division 2 at the end of the 1977–78 season.

On 16 August 1986, Saints recognised his loyalty by awarding him a testimonial match against John Mortimore's Benfica, which was won 4–1, with Holmes scoring one of the goals.

His last appearance for Southampton was on 14 Feb 1987 at Tottenham Hotspur. Following his spell at East Cowes Vics, he spent a season as coach back at Southampton working with manager Chris Nicholl. Under Holmes' management, Salisbury gained promotion to the Conference South in the 2005–06 season by finishing top of the Southern League Premier Division, followed by winning the play-off final in the 2006–07 season to participate in the Conference Premier in 2007–08.

In January 2008, following the departure of George Burley, Holmes was linked with a return to Southampton as manager. Although he was not offered the job, Holmes stated that Southampton was "the only club I'd leave Salisbury for". He became Salisbury's general manager in July 2009, with Tommy Widdrington taking control of the first team. Holmes left Salisbury on 14 July 2010 by mutual consent.

Honours

As a player Southampton FA Cup: 1975–76 Football League Cup runner-up: 1978–79 Football League First Division runner-up: 1983–84

As a manager Salisbury City Southern League Premier Division: 2005–06 Conference South play-offs: 2007