‘Hero’ John Hollins, former Chelsea player and manager, dies aged 76

The former Chelsea player and manager John Hollins has died aged 76, the club has announced. He made almost 600 appearances for the west London side, mainly between his first spell from 1963 and 1975, before a three-year stint as manager from 1985.

Daniel Finkelstein, a Chelsea board member, said: “He was a hero to the fans of this club, and very much that to me. He was at the heart of one of Chelsea’s greatest teams and, as well as contributing to its trophy success, he expressed its spirit.”

After spells at QPR and Arsenal, Hollins returned to Stamford Bridge in 1983 for the final year of his playing career and helped the club win promotion back to the First Division after a five-year absence, before he replaced John Neal as manager.

The team mounted a credible title challenge during the 1985-86 season, his first as a manager, and topped the table in February before falling away after a poor finish and ending up sixth.

He went on to take a coaching role at QPR, briefly becoming caretaker manager in 1997, before stints in the Football League at Swansea, Rochdale and Stockport. His last managerial role was with Weymouth in 2008.

His appearance total of 592 in all competitions placed him fifth in Chelsea’s all-time list and he was appointed an MBE for services to football in 1982. Speaking on behalf of the family, his son Chris Hollins said: “John was always so modest about the role he played in Chelsea’s history.

“He was only 15 when he signed for the club and went on to win trophies in those incredible sides of the 60s and 70s. He had so many stories, but he always told us he just loved running out at the Bridge and wearing that famous blue shirt. We will miss him as a husband, a father and grandfather and will always