A towering centre-half who served Leeds well for nearly 15
years. Holley was the epitome of following in his father's
footsteps. He started with one of dad George's old clubs - Wolves - as
a schoolboy, then joined his father's other club - Sunderland - as an
amateur but never made the first team for either. So he went to play
for his father at Barnsley where he made a name for himself in a 3
year stint before joining Leeds in the close season of 1936.
Despite having a reputation for being a fierce tackler, he was only
ever booked once during his career - and that was for swearing at
a team-mate during a Central League game.
He became club captain and continued playing throughout the war,
fitting in a few guest appearances for Fulham between active service.
In peacetime he played on for Leeds - captaining the side in 1947 -
before finally giving up the game in 1949 and switching to journalism
- focusing on football for the Yorkshire Evening Post and also doing a
column in the matchday programme in the mid 1970s. He died in
1992.
Penny Hyde says: My brother in law, Chris Holley, who still lives
in Leeds has many photos of his Father, Tom Holley in his playing days
for Leeds.
tavienne h says: m his great grand daughter tavienne holley im 13
and i was born 1 year after his death can you give me any more
information on his please . chris holley is my great uncle,and his
brother is my grandad please write back lots of love tavienne xxx
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