Ricky Lee Holmes (born 19 June 1987) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker or a winger for Farnborough.

Born in Rochford, Holmes began his football career with Southend-based clubs before joining Chelmsford City in 2005.

After announcing his retirement in 2020 due to a back injury, Holmes returned to football, rejoining Northampton Town in 2020, signing with Southend United in 2021, and eventually joining Farnborough in August 2021.

[2][3] Holmes joined Chelmsford City in 2005 and made his debut on 9 November 2005 in a 3–1 Isthmian League Cup win against Horsham.

Holmes made his full league debut for Chelmsford in August 2006, in a 1–1 draw against Bromley, also taking part in the club's impressive run in the FA Cup that year.

In an interview with Sky Sports that he believed he was better off playing as a second striker behind Izale McLeod (Bees' topscorer).

[12] After Barnet's relegation, Holmes was linked to a number of clubs, the likes of Portsmouth,[13] Leyton Orient,[14] Gillingham, Burton Albion and Southend United providing competition for his signature.

[22] On 15 January 2018, Holmes made the switch from Charlton Athletic to Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee after a year and a half at the Valley, rejoining former Northampton manager Chris Wilder.

[24] On 4 May 2020, having been released at the end of his Sheffield United contract, Holmes stated that he would retire from professional football due to a back injury picked up whilst working on a building site in Horsham, during his time playing semi-professionally at Chelmsford City.

[29] Holmes re-joined Northampton on an "appearance related contract" on 2 November 2020, having spent time training with the club to regain fitness.

[30] On 18 February 2021, Holmes joined League Two side Southend United on a deal until the end of the 2020–21 season.