How ex-Pompey, Charlton and Bournemouth man is helping Bognor Regis Town turn season around

Veteran midfielder Hollands had all but called time on his playing days when an opportunity to rekindle his on-pitch career emerged with the Rocks.

Previously, he had enjoyed a highly successful stint as a player graduating from the youth ranks at Chelsea to a flourishing vocation with the likes of Bournemouth, Charlton Athletic, Crewe Alexandra and Portsmouth.

And after playing more than 100 times for Gosport Borough most recently, Hollands was pursuing the next chapter in his football story in a management role at the club; but things went awry for one reason or another and he abruptly left Privett Park last month.

Gosport’s loss was Bognor’s gain, seemingly. The Nyewood Lane outfit had endured a miserable start to the campaign and were at one point second from bottom in the Isthmian South Central division – having been relegated the previous season – but manager Jamie Howell managed to steady the ship and today his side sit in 11th spot as they prepare to face Egham Town at home, temporarily at Chichester City's Oaklands Park.

It has bolstered the cause that Hollands answered a request from Howell to help out his injury-hit outfit for a game or two – he duly signed and his impact was immediate.

The schemer, 40, rolled back the years in his first game against Hayes & Yeading and exerting his influence and experience helped the home side to a 3-1 win. A similar pattern unfolded in his display in the most recent victory last Saturday with a 2-1 win over Hartley Wintney.

Observers noted that in his performances Hollands personified the old adage ‘the first yard is in your head’ and that his instinctive leadership qualities and calmness under pressure allowed fellow midfielders such as Preston Woolston and Billy Allcock to thrive.

Hollands explained: “Jamie was low on bodies and I always saw myself finishing my playing career at Bognor so I was happy to help. I was pleased to get through the games as well as I did to be honest as I hadn't played for a good while but then I have always looked after myself and my body.

“It has been a hard process leaving Gosport Borough and I thought coming back and playing aged 40 would be difficult but as I have said, I always conduct myself properly and never want to coast through and I am a great believer in getting your head right and not simply saying, 'the legs have gone'.

“As long as I don't go past my sell-by date, I feel lucky to be able to play and contribute to Bognor, a team I watched growing up -- and I think I have given a good account of myself and I will get fitter and sharper the more games I play.

“I will take it week by week and see how it goes and will obviously discuss it with Jamie and Hinsh (assistant manager Paul Hinshelwood) -- I sometimes think I see Jamie more than my wife so we are constantly talking things through!”

If Hollands stays fit and continues to pull strings in the middle for the Rocks, the remainder of the season could well be one to watch.