Last survivor of famous 1953 FA Cup final between Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers passes away

According to Bolton News, the former England international has died at the age of 90.

Holden, who was capped five times by his country, started alongside Nat Lofthouse as Bolton were beaten 4-3 by Blackpool in the game famously dubbed as ‘the Matthews final’.

Stan Mortensen scored a hat-trick, still the last player to do so in an FA Cup final, before Bill Perry scored a stoppage-time winner as Joe Smith’s side picked up the trophy in front of 100,000 people at Wembley.

Holden, a winger who was comfortable playing on either flank, made 463 appearances for the Trotters, scoring 44 times.

He also played for Preston North End and scored in their FA Cup final defeat to West Ham United in 1964.

Cyril Robinson was the last surviving member of Blackpool’s side before passing away in 2019.

The wing-half, who was also aged 90 at the time of his death, signed for the Seasiders from Mansfield Town in 1951 and went on to make 21 appearances in tangerine.

His appearance in the cup final, where he played alongside the likes of Harry Johnston, Matthews and Mortensen, was only his second start of the season.

He came into the side following injury to Hughie Kelly.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here