It is with great sadness that Bolton Wanderers Football Club has learned of the passing of our former player Doug Holden.
Born in Manchester, Doug joined Wanderers as an amateur in 1948 and went on to play for the England youth team before completing his national service.
He had played in just 12 Central League games when he made his first team debut in November 1951, replacing Bobby Langton in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool.
Doug began his league career on the left wing, but it was on the opposite flank that he became a regular in the side, appearing in the 1953 FA Cup Final in that position.
Five years later, however, when Wanderers returned to Wembley, he had reverted back to the left wing, helping Wanderers to beat Manchester United 2-0 in the final.
In March 1959, Doug was selected for the Football League against the Irish League in Dublin, and a month later he won the first of five England caps playing against Scotland at Wembley.
In November 1962, after 11 seasons as a regular, Doug moved to Preston North End.
Doug scored 44 goals in 463 appearances for Wanderers.
The thoughts and prayers of everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club are with Doug’s family and friends during this sad time.
Rest in peace, Doug.