HOLLINS, A FORMER CHELSEA PLAYER AND MANAGER, DIED AT THE AGE OF 76.

Former Chelsea player and manager John Hollins died on Wednesday at the age of 76, the club confirmed.

Hollins made his debut in 1963 and went on to make 592 appearances for the London club, scoring 64 goals in two spells at Stamford Bridge.

During his first spell with the club, which ended in 1975, he won the FA Cup, European Cup, Winners’ Cup, and League Cup.

“He was a hero to the fans of this club, and he was very much that to me,” Chelsea board member Daniel Finkelstein said.

“He was at the heart of one of Chelsea’s greatest teams, contributing to its trophy success while also expressing its spirit.”

Hollins, who is sixth on Chelsea’s all-time appearances list, also played for QPR and Arsenal before returning to Stamford Bridge in 1983 for his last season.

He only appeared for England once, in 1967.

He was Chelsea’s manager from 1985 to 1988, and he also coached at Swansea, Rochdale, and Stockport.

Hollins’ son, Chris Hollins, spoke on his father’s behalf, saying, “John was always so modest about the role he played in Chelsea’s history.”

“He joined the club at the age of 15 and went on to win trophies in those legendary sides of the 1960s and 1970s.”

“He told us he just loved running out at the Bridge and wearing that famous blue shirt.” We shall miss him as a husband, father, and grandfather, and we will be eternally grateful for what he accomplished in the game.”