Swansea City saddened by the passing of John Hollins

Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of the club’s former manager John Hollins MBE, at the age of 76.

The former England international took over as Swans boss in 1998, and he would lead the club to Third Division title success in 2000.

His Swans side was built on solid foundations and a strong defence, with his team conceding just 30 goals across 46 games that season, and keeping 22 clean sheets.

Hollins’ three-year tenure also included leading Swansea to the play-offs in 1998, and the historic FA Cup victory over West Ham in 1999, which saw the club become the first team from the bottom tier to knock a Premier League side out of the famous competition.

Hollins had moved into management following a long and distinguished player career that spanned 20 years, starting at Chelsea in 1961 when the midfielder was aged just 15.

Turning professional two years later, he spent 12 years at Stamford Bridge and played in a young side that secured League Cup success in 1965.

He went on to win an FA Cup winners’ medal in 1970 when Chelsea beat Leeds United in a replay at Old Trafford, and a year later he picked up a European Cup Winners’ Cup medal when the Blues defeated Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Hollins went on to join Queens Park Rangers in 1975 and helped them to the runners-up spot in the First Division.

Four seasons later he moved to Arsenal, and he helped the Gunners reach the 1980 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, scoring a penalty in the shootout as they suffered an agonising defeat to Valencia in Brussels.

He re-joined Chelsea at the age of 36 as player-coach, and was part of their Second Division title success in 1984.

He became manager at Stamford Bridge in June 1985, but later resigned in March 1988. Following his time in charge of the Swans Hollins also managed Rochdale, Stockport, Crawley and Weymouth.

He was also appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to football in 1982.

John was a popular and much-loved figure, and everyone at Swansea City sends their sincerest condolences to John’s family and friends at this sad time.

The club will mark John’s passing at a home game upon the start of the 2023-24 season.