Steve Holland

Stephen Anthony Holland, born on April 30, 1970, in Stockport, England, began his football journey as a schoolboy at Derby County. After a career-ending injury in his late teens, Holland transitioned into coaching at the age of 21. His professional playing career included short stints with Bury, Husqvarna FF in Sweden, and non-league clubs Northwich Victoria and Hyde United.

Holland’s coaching career began in 1992 at Crewe Alexandra as a youth coach, where he worked for 17 years. He progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming the club’s Academy Director and later First-Team Coach in 2007. During his time at Crewe, Holland completed his FA Full Coaching Licence at age 22 and the UEFA Pro Licence in 2007. In March 2009, he moved to Stoke City as their youth academy manager. Later that year, in August 2009, Holland joined Chelsea as reserve team manager, leading them to win the Premier Reserve League in 2011. He then became assistant first-team coach at Chelsea in 2011, working under various managers including André Villas-Boas, Roberto Di Matteo, Rafael Benítez, José Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, and Antonio Conte, until his departure in 2017.

In August 2013, Holland was appointed assistant manager for the England U21 team, rekindling his partnership with Gareth Southgate. This collaboration led to his appointment as assistant manager for the senior England national team in September 2016. Alongside Southgate, Holland played a key role in guiding England to the finals of the European Championship in 2021 and 2024. For his services to association football, Holland was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours. On December 17, 2024, Holland took on the role of head coach for the Japanese J-League side Yokohama F. Marinos.