John Hollins, a former manager and player for Chelsea, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 76, the club confirmed.
Over the course of two stints at Stamford Bridge, Hollins made 592 appearances for the London team, scoring 64 goals. He made his debut in 1963.
During his initial tenure with the club, which ended in 1975, he won the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
“He was a hero to the fans of this club, and very much that to me,” Chelsea board member Daniel Finkelstein said.
He was a key member of one of Chelsea’s best teams, and in addition to helping it Win Trophies, he also captured its essence.
He was Chelsea’s boss from 1985 to 1988 and later had coaching stints at Swansea, Rochdale, and Stockport.
On behalf of his family, Hollins’s son, Chris Hollins, said: “John was always so modest about the role he played in Chelsea’s history.
“He was only 15 when he signed for the club and went on to win trophies in those incredible sides of the 60s and 70s.
“He had so many stories, but he always told us he just loved running out at the Bridge and wearing that famous blue shirt. We will miss him as a husband, a father, and grandfather and will always be proud of what he achieved in the game.”
