About Holmes, a former Everton teammate had stated

PRIOR Paul Holmes, an Everton player, passed away at the age of 56.

Following a fight with cancer, the right-back went peacefully to be with his wife, Kate.

Holmes played 28 games for the Toffees after leaving Birmingham City in 1993.

His greatest Everton performance came in September 1993 when he assisted the club in defeating Liverpool 2-0 in the Merseyside derby.

Tony Cottee and Mark Ward both scored goals to help Everton win that day.

In October 1995, he played his last game for the team in a 0-0 draw in the European Cup Winners’ Cup against Feyenoord.

He relocated to West Brom in 1996, leaving Goodison Park behind.

Before joining Torquay United in 1999 and retiring in 2003, he was a member of the Baggies until 1999.

On social media, the former football player has received a ton of tributes.

A fan wrote: “Paul, RIP. Sincere condolences to your friends and family.”

Another commented, “Very sad news, RIP Paul.”

“Very sad to hear this news,” said a third person. Paul was a talented athlete.”

“Terrible news, RIP, Paul,” exclaimed a fourth.

“Awful news, thoughts go out to his family,” another person said.

Ian Snodin, a former Everton teammate, has also given Holmes his due respects.

“I am incredibly shocked by Paul’s passing, even though I knew he was sick,” he stated.

“He was a great man to share a dressing room with and a fantastic player.

“He got on well with all the lads and he was unfortunate not to play more games.”

“Everyone at Everton Football Club is deeply saddened by the death of our former defender Paul Holmes,” the club continued in a statement.

“Paul, who was only 56 years old, lost his courageous fight with cancer. Paul, rest in peace.”

Holmes came from a football family; his father, Albert Holmes, was a Chesterfield legend, having played for the team from 1960 to 1976.