Paul Holmes: former Everton and Torquay United footballer dies aged 56 after cancer battle

The ex-player is said to have passed away peacefully and is survived by his wife, Kate. He was described as a “fine player and lovely guy” by his former Everton teammate Ian Snodin.

Snodin said: “I knew Paul was unwell but I am deeply shocked by his passing. He was a fine player and a lovely guy to share a dressing room with. He got on well with all the lads and he was unfortunate not to play more games.” The former right-back joined the Toffees in 1993 after signing from Birmingham City. He played for the Merseyside team a total of 28 times, with his most memorable appearance coming in a 2-0 win over rivals Liverpool in September 1993. His last game for the club came in October 1995 again Feyenoord in the European Cup winners’ Cup.

Following his time at Goodison Park, Holmes moved to West Bromwich Albion in 1996. He spent three years there before moving to Torquay United in 1999, the last club he would be at before his retirement in 2003.

Tributes have poured in from fans, with one saying underneath Everton’s social post announcing his death:” [I] saw most of Paul's games for us during his spell. He was exactly what we expect from players that wear our famous old colours. He showed determination, endeavour, passion, strength & never say die attitude.” In a statement, Everton paid tribute to the club’s former player, saying: “The thoughts of everyone associated with Everton are with Paul’s wife Kate and all his family.”

Torquay United said: “Following the shock announcement of his cancer diagnosis last year, many of Paul’s former teammates and clubs rallied together in a typical show of support from the Footballing Family, with the widespread generosity culminating in an afternoon held in his honour at Boots & Laces last September, when family, friends, staff, teammates and supporters all came together to show their support and affection for one of Plainmoor’s favourite sons.”

The club added: “Paul, with his wonderful wife, Kate, remained regular visitors to TUFC on home matchdays thereafter, and they were both guests of the Club at our final home game of the season against Havant & Waterlooville, where close friend and fellow Gull Russell Musker presented him with a shirt donated by his first professional club, Doncaster.

“On learning of his passing, everyone at Torquay United extends its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Kate, the Holmes family, and all of Paul’s friends at this very sad time. Rest in peace, Paul, and thank you for all of the wonderful memories you gave us all.”