RICKY HOLMES JOINS THE CLARETS.

We can confirm that Ricky Holmes has agreed terms to be part of Angelo Harrop’s backroom staff for the 2025-26 season alongside being a first-team player!

Ricky Holmes completes a fairytale move by returning to Chelmsford City 15 years after leaving. Holmes, who has already made over 200 appearances for the Clarets, returns after spending time with various Football League clubs. He previously played for Barnet, Portsmouth, Charlton Athletic, and Sheffield United. Most notably, Holmes won League 2 with Northampton Town in 2015-16 and was named to the division’s PFA Team of the Year. On his return to Chelmsford City, he will look to add to his 200+ appearances and 65+ goals for the club. His role at the club includes both playing and coaching, as he has done at Farnborough in previous seasons. In the 24-25 season for Spencer Day’s team, Holmes scored 11 goals in 37 league games.

Ricky said about his return to the club: “I’ve always wanted to come back. I believe I said that when I left here. Obviously, I went on to a professional career. I’ve been waiting for Simmo to call me every season!

“It could have happened sooner, but now that I have the opportunity, am working full-time, and have returned, I consider it home. Hopefully, we’ll have a successful season, as we did when I was here, making the playoffs every year.

Angelo Harrop stated, “I am absolutely delighted to announce that Ricky Holmes will be our first team coach as well as a member of our squad. Ricky has a wealth of experience, having started his career in Chelmsford, so it’s a fantastic story.

“He’s played a lot of football in the league, so he’ll bring all of his experience. The main reason I brought him in was his energy, character, and drive to succeed and do well.

“He’ll be fully involved in everything we do, and I’m excited to work with him. We can benefit from each other’s experiences and collaborate effectively. We’re just trying to put together the best possible management squad that we can to make sure that our players get as much help and development as they possibly can. “I’m very excited to work with Ricky.”

We look forward to seeing Ricky work with and play for the Clarets on the new sea.

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