Holmes was born in
Stoke-on-Trent and played non-league football with
Parkway Clayton before joining
Stoke City in 1985. He spent two seasons in the reserves and made his professional debut against
Shrewsbury Town in
1987–88. He made just two more appearances that season and failed to make one in
1988–89 before he was given his chance in December 1989 due to injuries. He played in nine matches at centre back in
1989–90 but his inexperience lead to him being dropped for
Noel Blake and due to Stoke's relegation he left for
Fourth Division Doncaster Rovers. He played 13 times for Doncaster leaving the club after his place was taken by
Jack Ashurst. ==Career statistics==