The Loss of a Legend: Former Chelsea Player and Manager, John Hollins, Passes Away at 76

Among the top five players with the most appearances for Chelsea stands the name John Hollins.

The death of John Hollins, a former Chelsea player and manager, at the age of 76, has been officially confirmed by the club.

During his two tenures at Stamford Bridge between 1963 and 1984, Hollins proudly donned the Chelsea jersey close to 600 times, finding the back of the net on 64 occasions.

In 1985, he assumed the mantle of manager, a role he fulfilled for a span of three years.

“As much a hero to this club’s supporters as he was to me personally,” remembered Chelsea board member Daniel Finkelstein.

“Hollins was the beating heart of one of Chelsea’s most legendary squads, embodying its essence not only through his contribution to its victories but also his spirit.

“He elevated the team with his skills on the pitch, and his radiant smile lit up Stamford Bridge. His lifelong commitment to the club — as a player, manager, and matchday ambassador — was greatly admired, and his absence will be deeply felt.”

John Hollins performed admirably under the guidance of Chelsea managers Tommy Docherty and Dave Sexton.

Hollins, a two-time player of the year and a product of the Chelsea youth program, made his grand entry into the first-team at just 17 years old.

During his initial stint with the club, Hollins hoisted the FA Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup, and the League Cup, departing in 1975 and making a triumphant return eight years later, leading the team to promotion from the second tier.

With 592 games under his belt, Hollins ranks fifth on Chelsea’s all-time appearances list, surpassed only by John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ron Harris, and Peter Bonetti.

Hollins’ impressive playing career also included stints with fellow London clubs Queens Park Rangers and Arsenal.

Hollins extended his management acumen to Swansea City, Rochdale, Raith, Stockport, Crawley, and Weymouth, leading Swansea City to win the fourth-tier title in 2000.

In a poignant tweet, Hollins’ son Chris, a former BBC presenter, wrote: “My hero, best friend and father departed from us today.

“He was a humble man, but I will proudly say this: He was an exceptional player, a remarkable teammate, and an extraordinary person. His loss will be deeply felt by my mother, sister, his grandchildren, and all of us.”

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