James Shield's Sheffield United Column: Why one player who failed to make it at Bramall Lane remains an inspiration for thousands of fans

It seems strange that, in a squad stuffed to the gills with inspiring characters, a player who barely featured in Sheffield United’s first is possibly among the most inspirational of them all.
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Even more so when you consider, with the last of his five appearances coming two years ago, many supporters had probably forgotten that he was still on the books at Bramall Lane.

But when Ricky Holmes waves goodbye to South Yorkshire this summer, after recently conceding defeat in his battle to overcome a debilitating injury, he should do so safe in the knowledge that, despite barely figuring in Chris Wilder’s plans, his story should bring hope to the thousands who dream of one day pulling on the famous red and white striped shirt. But are still kicking a ball about in the Blades Super Draw League.

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Earlier this week, during an interview ostensibly designed to look back on his time at former club Portsmouth, Holmes revealed retirement almost certainly beckons in less than a month’s time.

“I’m still in pain every single day,” he said, detailing the effects of a chronic back problem. “It looks imminent really. I think it’s inevitable just for my health.”

Usually, given that Holmes’ time at United was probably the most frustrating of his career, the 32-year-old’s announcement would have elicited a sympathetic shrug from most of those who follow Wilder’s side and very little else. After all, while Billy Sharp, Jack O’Connell and John Egan were busy blazing a trail out of the Championship, he was coming to the end of a brief and disappointing loan spell at Gillingham having started the campaign with Oxford.

But news of Holmes’ predicament provoked a wave of ‘thanks’ and good luck messages on social media instead. And even if they don’t realise it, many of those responsible probably did so because the tale of how he turned professional resonates deeply with them.

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Thirty-eight months ago, after Holmes produced a scintillating performance for Charlton during a League One fixture against United, I interviewed him pitchside about the fixture. On reflection, given their mutual fondness following a spell together at Northampton a year or so earlier, it was probably the moment when Wilder decided he would try and prise the midfielder away from The Valley.

Ricky Holmes admits retirement beckons following a difficult period at Sheffield United: Shannon LuceyRicky Holmes admits retirement beckons following a difficult period at Sheffield United: Shannon Lucey
Ricky Holmes admits retirement beckons following a difficult period at Sheffield United: Shannon Lucey

But from a personal perspective, our chat was memorable because Holmes, in response to my question about his upbringing, proceeded to speak eloquently about how he used to pay to play football; combining his job on a building site, where he sweated a living, with games for an amateur side in his natuve Essex.

“I was getting on a bit, in football terms anyway,” Holmes told me. “But I loved it, just loved it, and I was never going to give up.”

That persistence served him well, earning a move to Chelmsford, then arguably the most ambitious non-league club in the region, before spells at Barnet and Fratton Park followed. It was during his time there that Holmes first came to Wilder’s attention, and then Cobblers manager signed him on a free transfer before London came calling.

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One of the most exciting talents in the lower divisions, Holmes’ switch to United should have been the start of something really big. But a number of factors prevented him from realising his potential, including the protracted nature of his switch and the fact that, by the time Wilder raised the money to secure his release, two transfer windows had nearly passed and United no longer deployed out and out wingers.

Sheffield United fans cheer their team on at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United fans cheer their team on at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United fans cheer their team on at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Struggling to find a role in their 3-5-2 system, Holmes inevitably began to drift. Indeed, not long after arriving he was dispatched to the Kassam Stadium which marked the start, from United’s perspective at least, of a slow and steady drift into obscurity.

But Holmes’ confession that he had been plagued by back problems before even entering the EFL - a course of injections into his ligaments appeared to have cured the issue - speaks volumes about his determination and persistence. When it flared up again at Oxford, Homes underwent an operation to shave some bulging discs. Unfortunately, another one now seems to beckon.

“I’ve been back in Sheffield for 15 months and had the op which worked,” he continued. I felt great and was back, then the same thing happened on my right side.

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“I was due to have a CT scan last month but obviously couldn’t have it because everything has shut down (due to coronavirus).

The Star's Sheffield United writer James ShieldThe Star's Sheffield United writer James Shield
The Star's Sheffield United writer James Shield

“I might need another one (operation) but I’m reluctant. I’m 33 in the summer and I’m thinking ‘Do I want to do that to play another two or three years?’ Probably not. But I’m in pain day to day so I need to get something sorted.”

Despite struggling at United, Holmes still achieved plenty. And he worked for all of that. Never deemed good enough for a place in a prestigious academy, he relied on a combination of talent, desire and good old fashioned determination.

Holmes will never be regarded as a United legend. But he will leave a legacy - and be remembered fondly - because of what he went through to arrive.

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It is a shame Holmes never made more of an impression here. His humble roots, ability to overcome adversity and achieve what many told him was impossible should have meant, given their blue collar outlook and love of a trier, that he and United were a perfect match.

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