Holmes Walter Image 2 Middlesbrough 1921

Description

Willington, County Durham born full back (he could play both sides) Walter Holmes began his football career with Bede College in 1912 and played for hometown junior club Willington in 1913, from where he joined First Division club Middlesbrough in the summer of 1914 as the First World War was just breaking out, making his Football League debut against Manchester City in February 1915, playing at right back.

After 10 appearances peacetime football was suspended and during the War Holmes served in the Armed Forces, but once it resumed Holmes played another eight seasons for Middlesbrough, missing only two matches in 1920-21 mainly playing at left back, and although they were relegated to the Second Division in 1924, they were promoted as Second Division Champions in his last season at Ayresome Park, 1926-27, although he lost his place in October 1926 (possibly due to injury), and only played 7 matches in the autumn, although he remained in the ‘Boro reserves during 1927-28.

He had played 174 matches for Middlesbrough when released in the 1928 close season, and made a comeback to  Football League action when he signed for Third Division (North) club Darlington in 1928-29, making 24 appearances for The Quakers, featuring on both sides, during his single season at Feethams before his retirement from the professional game. He later became a Headmaster and a Methodist preacher.