St Mirren Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bobby Holmes at the age 93.
Bobby began his playing career at amateur level with Lochend Rovers and Campsie Black Watch before moving up to the junior ranks with Kilsyth Rangers in 1951.
Predominantly a centre-half in his junior career, Bobby joined St Mirren in 1954 and made his debut as an inside-left in a 4-4 draw against Motherwell. Four days later, he scored his first goal for Saints in what was just his second match.
Bobby's impressive form at Saints across the 1955/56 and 1956/57 seasons saw him selected for the Scotland squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately, a broken leg towards the end of season 1956/57 saw him miss out on any involvement with the national team and would result in him missing the entirety of the 1957/58 season.
He would eventually make his comeback in January 1959 but was unable to earn a place in the side for Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen in April. After struggling to regain fitness, Bobby made the tough decision to retire from playing following medical advice. This put an end to the career of a man who scored 40 goals in 116 appearances for the Buddies.
Following his retirement from playing, Bobby began a new career in physiotherapy where he would work with Arthurlie Juniors, Albions Rovers and Dumbarton before returning to Saints. He would spend six years at Saints between 1984 and 1990, serving as physio in our 1987 Scottish Cup triumph.
The thoughts of everyone at St Mirren are with Bobby's loved ones at this sad time.
