Holden began his professional playing career with
Bolton Wanderers in 1951. He made over 400 appearances for Bolton, and was on the losing side in the famous 4–3 loss to
Blackpool in the "
Matthews Cup Final" and then on the winning side in the
1958 FA Cup Final against
Manchester United. He was the last surviving player from the 1953 FA Cup final. With five international caps to his name, Holden was recognised as one of the top wingers of his generation, with the ability to play on either wing. After Bolton he moved to
Preston North End, scoring a goal in their
1964 FA Cup Final defeat against
West Ham United. Holden remained at
Deepdale until the summer of 1965, when he emigrated to Australia, where he played for
Hakoah of
Sydney until 1968. He then became Hakoah's
coach, before moving to coach Auburn F.C. He finished his coaching career in Australia with
Sydney City Soccer Club, before returning to England in 1970, where he had a spell coaching with
Grimsby Town. He was appointed manager of
Southern League Dartford in June 1972 but was sacked in August 1973 despite winning the
Kent Senior Cup. ==Honours==