OTD: DARREN HOLLOWAY BORN

Born on this day in Bishop Auckland is Darren Holloway, a right back who became an instant fan favourite due to his incredible work rate.

Holloway came through the club’s youth setup, and was introduced at senior level in October 1997 in the middle of an injury crisis. He played so well at Stoke City that he became a regular name in defence for the rest of the season. He was part of a hugely successful (and young) back four: Holloway, Jody Craddock, Darren Williams and Michael Gray.

Before making his Sunderland debut, Holloway had a hugely successful loan spell at Carlisle United where he tasted men’s football for the first time. He did so well in Cumbria that the club reportedly offered Sunderland £400,000 for a permanent transfer, which was swiftly rejected. It actually set him up perfectly, because the transfer offer gave Darren a chance to knock on Peter Reid’s door and discuss first-team opportunities.

Alongside teammate Darren Williams, Holloway appeared for England U21s in Switzerland in March 1998, such was his progress in his first season as a senior pro. Sadly Darren was out for most of the 1998/99 season, suffering a back injury in pre-season and unable to break into the first team when he was back to full fitness. In fact, his first start didn’t come until February when he deputised for Michael Gray in defence.

Despite still suffering with the back injury, Darren was desperate to play in the play-off semi-final against Sheffield United. It was arguably the loudest night the SoL has ever seen (but has definitely now been given a run for its money by the play-off second leg against Coventry City in 2025!), despite losing the first leg 2-1 at Bramall Lane. More than 40,000 fans in the ground witnessed the Lads win 2-0, and send us to Wembley.

He played in the final, and after being subbed at half time due to injury was able to watch on and celebrate as Quinny got his second of the game – although it was a rollercoaster of emotions as Charlton Athletic eventually beat us on penalties, as we know. Had he been on the pitch, Holloway actually would have been one of our first five to take a spot-kick.

The form of Chris Makin, as well as injuries, meant Darren didn’t feature much as we stormed the Championship and got to the Premier League. But in our 7th-placed finish, Holloway was a regular fixture at right back once again. His hard work epitomised the kind of squad Peter Reid wanted. It didn’t matter how much ability you had, as long as you gave 110% week-in week-out. In 2000 he left the club, joining Wimbledon (who would become MK Dons during Holloway’s time at the club).