Torquay United legend Paul Holmes passes away

Former Torquay United favourite Paul Holmes, who played for the Gulls during some of the most momentous seasons in their history, has died at the age of 56 after a battle with cancer that he used to encourage others in his situation.

Born in Stocksbridge, near Sheffield, Holmes, whose father Albert was a stalwart pro with Chesterfield, began his career with Doncaster Rovers.

He was a fast, skilful, attacking right-back with a powerful shot.

United manager Cyril Knowles paid £6,000 for him in the summer of 1988, and he played 176 games over the next four years.

They included the club’s first two runs to Wembley in the Sherpa Van Trophy 1989) and the 1991 Fourth Division Play-Off victory over Blackpool, which went to extra-time and penalties, before he was sold to Birmingham City for £40,000.

Moves to Everton (£100,000) in the Premier League and West Bromwich Albion (£80,000) followed before he returned to Plainmoor for four more years in 1999.

Holmes played 269 games in all for Torquay and 306 for his other clubs before retiring, but he remained in South Devon and worked for many years for the NHS here.

Last July he revealed that he was suffering from cancer, which was well advanced, but he threw himself into rounds of surgery and chemotherapy, saying: “My condition is not unusual, so there is no point in hiding it from everyone.

“If anyone else feels that things are not right and needs checking, I urge them to do it.”

An appeal, led by TV personality and long-time Gulls fan Helen Chamberlain, was set up and United later hosted An Afternoon For Holmesy, attended by many of his former teammates and nearly 200 supporters.

Holmes continued to attend United home matches, often with his wife Kate, their five children and other family members.

He was at Plainmoor on April 20 to see the club celebrate their escape from National League South relegation against Havant & Waterlooville (5-0).

We all send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends. Thanks for the amazing memories.