Chelsea announced on Wednesday that John Hollins, a former player and manager of Chelsea, has passed away at the age of 76.
Hollins began his career with Chelsea in 1963 and had two separate stints at Stamford Bridge, accumulating a total of 592 appearances for the London club and scoring 64 goals.
During his initial tenure at Chelsea, which concluded in 1975, he achieved notable victories, including winning the FA Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and the League Cup.
“He was a hero to the fans of this club, and very much that to me,” said Chelsea board member Daniel Finkelstein.
“He was at the heart of one of Chelsea’s greatest teams and, as well as contributing to its trophy success, he expressed its spirit.”
Hollins, fifth on the all-time Chelsea appearances list, also played for QPR and Arsenal before returning to Stamford Bridge in 1983 for a final stint as a player.
John Hollins represented the England national team on one occasion, playing a single match in 1967.
After his playing career, Hollins served as Chelsea’s manager from 1985 to 1988. Subsequently, he took up coaching roles at various clubs, including Swansea, Rochdale, and Stockport.
On behalf of his family, Hollins’s son, Chris Hollins, said: “John was always so modest about the role he played in Chelsea’s history.
“He was only 15 when he signed for the club and went on to win trophies in those incredible sides of the 60s and 70s.
“He had so many stories, but he always told us he just loved running out at the Bridge and wearing that famous blue shirt. We will miss him as a husband, a father, and grandfather and will always be proud of what he achieved in the game.”
