Born in Nottingham as Samuel Woodroffe Moore,[2] he had comparatively little football experience, having previously worked in the local registry and as a landlord in a pub.
In April 1897, Hollis was tempted away by newly formed Bristol City, where he became manager; he ended up spending three separate spells with the Robins.
He took over as Bristol City manager for the third time in January 1911, and oversaw the club's relegation from the First Division back to the Second.
He left Ashton Gate in April 1913, and in July that year took over as manager of Southern League Newport County where he remained until 1917.
After that, he left football management altogether, though he spent a number of years as chairman of Bristol City's shareholders.