Holsy Back As Grandson Aims High In Spain

John Holsgrove has returned permanently to England after almost a decade and a half of living in Spain.

The former Wolves defender and his wife Jan are back in the south-east and glad to be home and closer to other family members.

“I think it was 2006 when we bought our house over there and it has been our main place, although obviously we have come to England from time to time,” he said.

“It took us over three years to sell it and it feels like a good time to have got out with the problems regarding the pandemic.

“Spain has been affected plenty, like Britain, and Marbella can have a noise problem with people having a good time and enjoying late nights.

“We enjoyed our time there but we are in a lovely quiet part of Hampshire, sort of in the middle of Andover, Salisbury and Winchester. We very much like the hills we have near here as we are keen walkers and are glad to be home.

“We’re also now within an hour of our three sons, although our daughter lives up north. The family came to visit us in Spain but that side of our lives is obviously better for being where we are now.”

As we report on one Holsgrove link with Spain having run its course, we are delighted to share news of another kicking off.

Not only did John’s son Paul have a professional career with Reading, Stoke, Hibernian and a host of other clubs but his grandson Jordan is currently taking exciting steps in the game.

The 21-year-old Scottish youth international has this month joined Spanish club Celta Vigo on a two-year contract after four years in Reading’s academy and will link up initially with their B team.

Described as a skilful midfielder with a slender frame, he caught the eye of the La Liga side when playing against their B side while on loan with Atletico Baleares last season.

“Our season starts on October 18, so we have a bit of time to get fit and ready,” Jordan is quoted as saying in The Scotsman newspaper. “Because of the virus, we will only play teams from our region this season.

“I’m in the B team to begin with but they have already told me they would like to progress me to the first team as soon as possible. That is the aim for me. I want to make an impression.”

Paul, who himself had a spell in Spain with Heracles Almelo, was playing for Hibs when Jordan was born in Edinburgh.

Paul was born in Wellington, Shropshire in 1969, with his dad then in the prime of his Wolves career.

“Seeing Jordan doing well in the game keeps alive the chances of there being a J Holsgrove in professional football for a good few years,” John added.