Essex boy Holmes returns to his roots with Boro's blessing

FORMER Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic winger Ricky Holmes has left Farnborough to return to Chelmsford City as a player-coach.

- 

Across four seasons at the Saunders Transport Community Stadium, the popular Holmes made 141 competitive appearances, treating the Boro faithful to 24 goals while in yellow and blue.

An incredibly gifted footballer who is a regular fixture in the National League South's Team of the Week and The Non-League Paper's Team of the Day, the Essex native still has plenty to offer at 37.

Holmes, who turns 38 next month, dipped into non-league with Farnborough and quickly assisted promotion to Step Two, won the Hampshire Senior Cup and crucially has helped the club consolidate in an increasingly competitive National League South division.

Season One: 2021/22

The vastly experienced midfielder signed for Farnborough back in August 2021, ahead of a campaign in The Southern League Premier South. He made 29 appearances under Spencer Day in his first season, before an injury the following January cut short his campaign.

Holmes' first Farnborough goal came in an emphatic 4-1 home victory over Bowers & Pitsea, back in October 2021. He also netted the winning goals in 2-1 away victories at Harrow Borough and Metropolitan Police.

The Yellows went on to achieve promotion via the play-offs at the end of the season, with Holmes embarking on his coaching journey while unable to take to the field.

Along with midfield maestro and former Barnet team-mate Sam Deering, the duo helped Boro to secure promotion back to The National League South in their first attempt.

Season Two: 2022/23