Introduction
Ricky Lee Holmes (born 19 June 1987) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker or a winger for League One club Charlton Athletic.
Career
Chelmsford City
Born in Rochford, Holmes joined Chelmsford City's academy in 2004, after a short spell with Southend United, and made his debut in 2006–07 season, also taking part at the club's impressive run in the FA Cup. He went on to become one of the club's top players, achieving promotion to the Conference South in 2007–08, a season in which he also won the club's player of the year award, scored 16 league goals and received a call-up to the England C national football team. He also was linked with Championship side Crystal Palace. He remained a regular starter for the following two seasons.
Holmes finished 2009–10 as City's top scorer, with 21 goals in the season. However, he was released in May 2010 after City to allowed him to play at a higher level.
Barnet
On 15 June 2010, Holmes signed a contract with Barnet. He made his debut on 7 August, against Chesterfield. Holmes scored his first goal for Barnet on 20 November, in a 4–1 win over Northampton Town. The 2010–11 season ended prematurely in January for Holmes as he was ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.
The 2011–12 season was more successful for Holmes. Under the management of Edgar Davids, Holmes' position was moved further towards the left wing, where he managed to score 10 goals. During the season, he consolidated his position in Barnet first team, being one of the most consistent performers with his very top work ethic making him a fans' favourite. In an interview with Sky Sports that he believed he was better off playing as a second striker behind Izale McLeod (Bees' topscorer). In 2012–13, he scored a hat-trick on 21 December 2012, in a 3–2 win against Burton Albion. In February 2013, he suffered the same foot injury, and was sidelined for the rest of the season.
After Barnet's relegation, Holmes was linked to a number of clubs, the likes of Portsmouth, Leyton Orient, Gillingham, Burton Albion and Southend United providing competition for his signature.
Portsmouth
Holmes signed a two-year deal with Portsmouth on 21 June 2013, following the expiry of his contract at Barnet. He made his debut in a 4–1 home defeat to Oxford United on 3 August 2013. On 14 September, Holmes scored his first Pompey goal, in a 2–1 away victory over Burton Albion. Holmes finished the 2013–14 season with 50 assists and received the fans' Player of the Season award.
Northampton
On 2 January 2015, Holmes joined Northampton on an initial one-month loan deal. On 27 January 2015, after appearing in four matches and scoring once, he signed a two-and-a-half year permanent deal with the club.
Charlton Athletic
Holmes made a transfer request to Northampton on 15 June 2016 after repeated bids by Charlton and one day later after the 2 clubs eventually agreed a fee of £125,000, Holmes signed a two-year deal with the Addicks being the first signing for new manager Russell Slade. He scored his first goals for Charlton when he scored twice in a 3-0 win over Shrewsbury Town on 16 August 2016.
International career
On 5 February 2008, Holmes was named in England C squad for the match against Wales Semi-pro. On the 21st he made his international debut for the side.
Career statistics
- As of 29 November 2016.
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup1 | Other2 | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Chelmsford City | 2006–07 | 39 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 50 | 15 |
| 2007–08 | 38 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 48 | 21 | |
| 2008–09 | 36 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 48 | 10 | |
| 2009–10 | 41 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 5 | 56 | 21 | |
| Subtotal | 154 | 49 | 14 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 29 | 14 | 204 | 67 | |
| Barnet | 2010–11 | 25 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 2 |
| 2011–12 | 41 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 48 | 10 | |
| 2012–13 | 25 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 5 | |
| Subtotal | 91 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 104 | 17 | |
| Portsmouth | 2013–14 | 40 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 45 | 2 |
| 2014–15 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 | |
| Subtotal | 53 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 62 | 2 | |
| Northampton Town | 2014–15 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 5 |
| 2015-16 | 28 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 9 | |
| Subtotal | 43 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 16 | |
| Charlton Athletic | 2016-17 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 14 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 3 | |
| Career total | 353 | 83 | 24 | 6 | 15 | 1 | 40 | 15 | 433 | 105 | |
1 Including matches for Football League Cup, Football Conference League Cup and Isthmian League Cup.
2 Including matches for FA Trophy, Football League Trophy, Football Conference play-offs and Essex Senior Cup.
Honours
Individual
- Portsmouth
- Player of The Season 2013–14
- Northampton
- League 2 Champions 2015-16