Jimmy Holmes (footballer, born 1953)

Holmes, a left-back, began his career with St. John Bosco.[4] He joined Coventry City as apprentice and was a member of the FA Youth Cup Final side in 1970.[5] He turned professional in November 1970 and became the Republic of Ireland's youngest ever full international at 17 years, 200 days when he came on as a 74th-minute substitute for Don Givens in the 4–1 defeat in the European Championship Qualifier against Austria at Dalymount Park on 30 May 1971.[6]

He made his league debut later that year in the home game against Leicester City on 4 December and gradually established himself in the Coventry first team. In March 1977, after 8 goals in 143 games for Coventry,[7] he moved to Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £120,000.[2] A broken leg ended his career at White Hart Lane after 92 games, in which he scored twice.[7] While on international duty, Jimmy broke his leg and complications arose in the setting of the leg.[5]

In February 1981, the Vancouver Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League purchased his contract for £100,000. However, he played only seventeen games over two seasons.[8] During this time he made one final appearance in the Irish national side. In October 1982 he returned to the UK, joining Leicester City on a free transfer, but played only twice before a free transfer took him to Brentford in February 1983.[1][7] A month later, another free transfer took him to Torquay United, Holmes playing 25 games (3 goals) for Bruce Rioch's side.[1] In November 1983 he moved to Peterborough United, scoring 7 times in 60 games before ending his league career.[9]

He enjoyed a testimonial match in 1985 at Dalymount Park, when an Irish XI beat a Glenn Hoddle XI.[10]

He later became a police officer in the Midlands and currently works as a chauffeur.[5] As a police officer, he was once called into duty again while on police duty at Coventry City's Highfield Road. When one of the players for a testimonial did not show, Jimmy stepped into the fray. In August 2007 he was formally commended for his bravery in July 2006.[11]

• Tottenham Hotspur: Jimmy Holmes
• NASL stats