Former Hibs’ striker Grant Holt has retired as a professional footballer and taken up a coaching role at Norwich City where he spent four successful seasons at from 2009 to 2013.
The 37-year-old was a huge favourite amongst the Hibs’ fans for his hold up play in particular.
He signed for the club during the summer of 2016 from Rochdale and made his debut against Brondby in the Europa League and scored his first goal in a 4-0 victory over Morton.
His most memorable goal came in a 3-1 victory over Hearts in a Scottish Cup replay which he followed with his trademark Marathonbet celebration.
In total he started 29 games and appeared from the bench in another 10, scoring seven goals.
The striker is a legend at Carrow Road where he helped Norwich secure back-to-back promotions from Sky Bet League One to the Premier League, scoring 78 goals in 168 appearances for the Canaries.
He also played for a host of other clubs during his career, including Aston Villa, Wigan, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and subsequently took on a player-coach role at National League side Barrow, but left the club at the end of last season.
“I have been given the fantastic opportunity to work as a coach at Norwich City and also the fantastic opportunity to work with Langley school developing the talents of tomorrow,” Holt said on Twitter.
“Due to me committing to both roles I’ve decided the time has come to hang my boots up as a professional footballer.
“I would like to thank every fan at all my teams over my career for the amazing support and memories you all gave me.
“Would also like to thank every fan who slagged me off, shouted at me and booed when I touched the ball because without you it would [have] not been as fun.
“Thank you to everyone behind the scenes that I met along the way, you [know] who you are.
“Most importantly I would like to thank my family who have supported me through the highs and the lows in my career on and off the field. Yours sincerely, Holty.”
Grant scored over 150 goals in more than 400 career appearances.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
