John Hollins

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Lore & Background

Hollins joined Chelsea as a youth player and made his debut against Swindon Town in September 1963 aged 17. He was known for his dedicated attitude and became a regular and eventually club captain. He played 592 games and scored 69 goals in his first spell, appearing in 400 out of 420 league games and making 167 consecutive appearances, a club record. He played in the 1965 League Cup final win over Leicester City, the 1967 FA Cup final loss to Tottenham, and supplied the cross for Ian Hutchinson's late headed equaliser in the 1970 FA Cup final win over Leeds United. He missed the 1971 Cup Winners' Cup final replay due to injury. He won a solitary England cap against Spain on 24 May 1967.

In Their Own Story

The replay at Old Trafford in May 1970 was a grueling test against a formidable Leeds United side. Hollins, wearing the captain's armband, played a pivotal role in securing the FA Cup. His delivery from the wing found Ian Hutchinson for the crucial late equaliser that forced the match into extra time. Chelsea eventually triumphed 2–1, ending a long trophy drought. Just twelve months later, the team traveled to Athens for the European Cup Winners' Cup final. Hollins led the squad to a victory over Real Madrid, securing their second major European honor in two years. Although he missed the replay due to injury, his leadership throughout the campaign was instrumental. These victories marked the peak of a decade where he appeared in 400 out of 420 possible league games.

Reader's Guide

Hollins returned to Chelsea on a free transfer in 1983 and helped the club gain promotion back to the First Division in 1983–84, playing a further 30 times. He retired at the end of that season. He was immediately appointed coach at Chelsea; a year later he became first-team manager. Chelsea won the Full Members Cup in 1985–86. He was sacked in March 1988. He later managed Swansea City (winning the Division Three title in 1999–2000), Rochdale, and Crawley Town. He also had spells as caretaker manager at QPR and Stockport County, and managed Stockport Tiger Star.

Did You Know?

• Hollins made 714 First Division appearances, an English top division record for an outfield player and second only to goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
• He was Chelsea's player of the year two years running (1969–70 and 1970–71).
• At age 36, he won the Arsenal Supporters Club player of the season award in 1982.
• He was appointed MBE for services to football in the 1982 Birthday Honours.
• His son Chris was the main sports presenter on BBC Breakfast between 2005 and 2012.