Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the death of our former defender Paul Holmes.

Paul was just 56 years of age and passed away after a brave battle with cancer.

He joined Everton from Birmingham City in 1993 and played 28 times before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 1996.

Howard Kendall signed him, and he made his Blues debut against Ipswich Town in March 1993, alongside the likes of Neville Southall, Dave Watson and Peter Beardsley.

Arguably his best Everton memory was the 2-0 Merseyside derby win at Goodison Park in September 1993 when Mark Ward and Tony Cottee scored the goals.

His last appearance for Everton was against Feyenoord in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in October 1995 when a certain Ronald Koeman was in the visiting line-up.

Born in South Yorkshire, Paul started his professional career at Doncaster Rovers. His father, Albert, played almost 500 games for Chesterfield.

From Doncaster, Paul switched to Torquay United, for whom he played more than 150 games before being snapped up by Birmingham.

He also ended his career with Torquay and was a regular visitor to Plainmoor after hanging his boots up.

Former Everton team-mate, and current Club Ambassador, Ian Snodin said, “I knew Paul was unwell but I am deeply shocked by his passing. He was a fine player and a lovely guy to share a dressing room with. He got on well with all the lads and he was unfortunate not to play more games.”

The thoughts of everyone associated with Everton are with Paul’s wife Kate and all his family.