{{Short description|English footballer (born 1986)}} {{Use British English|date=June 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} {{good article}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Chris Holroyd | image = | caption = | fullname = Christopher Holroyd<ref>{{Hugman|23439|access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref> | height = {{convert|1.80|m|order=flip}}<ref name="Chris Holroyd – Soccerbase">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd – Soccerbase | url = https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=43982 | website = Soccerbase | publisher = Centurycomm | access-date = 25 August 2025}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|10|24|df=y}}<ref name="11v11">{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/chris-holroyd-225195/ |title=Chris Holroyd|website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref> | birth_place = Macclesfield, England<ref>{{cite book|editor1-first=Glenda|editor1-last=Rollin|editor2-first=Jack|editor2-last=Rollin|title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013|year=2012|publisher=Headline|location=London|isbn=978-0-7553-6356-8|page=516|edition=43rd}}</ref> | currentclub = | clubnumber = | position = Winger, striker | youthyears1 = 2003–2005 | youthclubs1 = Crewe Alexandra | youthyears2 = 2005–2006 | youthclubs2 = Chester City | years1 = 2006–2008 | clubs1 = Chester City | caps1 = 46 | goals1 = 4 | years2 = 2008–2010 | clubs2 = Cambridge United | caps2 = 59 | goals2 = 22<!--SOCCERBASE STATES 61 APPEARANCES AS THEY INCLUDE TWO 2009/10 PLAY OFF MATCHES ---> | years3 = 2010–2011 | clubs3 = Brighton & Hove Albion | caps3 = 16 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2010 | clubs4 = → Stevenage (loan) | caps4 = 12 | goals4 = 6 | years5 = 2011 | clubs5 = → Bury (loan) | caps5 = 4 | goals5 = 1 | years6 = 2011–2012 | clubs6 = Rotherham United | caps6 = 15 | goals6 = 1 | years7 = 2012–2013 | clubs7 = Preston North End | caps7 = 20 | goals7 = 1 | years8 = 2012–2013 | clubs8 = → Macclesfield Town (loan) | caps8 = 19 | goals8 = 7 | years9 = 2013 | clubs9 = Morecambe | caps9 = 16 | goals9 = 1 | years10= 2013–2017 | clubs10= Macclesfield Town | caps10 = 160 | goals10 = 25 | years11= 2017–2019 | clubs11= Wrexham | caps11 = 60 | goals11 = 16 | years12= 2019–2020 | clubs12= Chorley | caps12 = 27 | goals12 = 6 | years13= 2020 | clubs13= Stalybridge Celtic | caps13 = 3 | goals13 = 0 | years14= 2020 | clubs14= Warrington Town | caps14 = 2 | goals14 = 0 | totalcaps = 459| totalgoals = 90 }} '''Christopher Holroyd''' (born 24 October 1986) is an English former professional footballer. Initially deployed solely as a striker, he was later also utilised as a winger.
Holroyd began his career at Crewe Alexandra, progressing through the club's youth system before joining Chester City for the final year of his scholarship. He signed professional terms in 2006 but left the club by mutual consent in July 2008, with a year remaining on his contract. The following month, Holroyd joined Conference Premier club Cambridge United. After scoring 15 goals during the first half of the 2009–10 season, Holroyd signed for League One club Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2010 for an undisclosed fee. He struggled for game time at Brighton and spent time on loan at Stevenage and Bury. At the end of the 2010–11 season, Holroyd was released by Brighton, and signed for Rotherham United in June 2011.
He moved to League One club Preston North End for an undisclosed fee in January 2012. At the start of the 2012–13 season, he joined Macclesfield Town on loan until January 2013. Upon returning to Preston, his contract was cancelled by mutual consent, and he signed for League Two club Morecambe on a free transfer in January 2013. Holroyd rejoined Macclesfield at the end of the season and went on to make 170 appearances over four years with the club. He then spent two years at National League club Wrexham, followed by a year at Chorley for the 2019–20 season. He had brief spells with Stalybridge Celtic and Warrington Town in 2020 before retiring later that year.
==Career== ===Early career=== Holroyd began his career at Crewe Alexandra, spending five years at the club as a schoolboy and a further two years as a scholar at the club's youth academy.<ref name="Chris Holroyd - Cambridge United profile">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd – Cambridge United profile | url = http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10423~36903,00.html | publisher = Cambridge United F.C. | access-date = 24 September 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090402221930/http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10423~36903%2C00.html | archive-date = 2 April 2009 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="In Profile – Chris Holroyd">{{Cite book | title = Stevenage v Burton Albion matchday programme | publisher = Stevenage F.C. | year = 2010 | page = 28 }}</ref> He was not offered a professional contract ahead of his third year of scholarship and subsequently joined Chester City.<ref name="Chris Holroyd - Cambridge United profile"/> After scoring 21 goals in 28 appearances for Chester's youth team in the Football League Youth Alliance, he signed professional terms in 2006.<ref name="Chris Holroyd - Cambridge United profile"/> Holroyd made his first-team debut for Chester at the start of the 2006–07 season, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute in Chester's 2–1 home defeat to Wrexham.<ref name="Chester 1-2 Wrexham">{{cite news |date=20 August 2006 |title=Chester 1–2 Wrexham |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/4786555.stm |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref name="sb0607" />
The following season, Holroyd scored his first goal in competitive football in a 4–2 Football League Trophy defeat to Carlisle United on 9 October 2007.<ref>{{soccerbase season|43982|2007|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> Later that month, he registered his first Football League goal in Chester's 2–2 draw against Wycombe Wanderers.<ref name="Chester 2-2 Wycombe">{{cite news | title = Chester 2–2 Wycombe | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7054080.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 27 October 2007 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> He made 26 appearances in all competitions during the 2007–08 season, scoring five goals.<ref name=CCFC0708/> In July 2008, Holroyd was transfer-listed by Chester in an attempt to reduce the size of their squad.<ref name="Chester complete Mozika signing">{{cite news | title = Chester complete Mozika signing | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chester/7523762.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 24 July 2008 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> The following day, he left the club by mutual consent, with one year remaining on his contract, and was subsequently linked with moves elsewhere.<ref name="Chester part company with Holroyd">{{cite news | title = Chester part company with Holroyd | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chester/7525512.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 25 July 2008 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title= Holroyd parts company with Blues | url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/holroyd-parts-company-with-blues-5236942 | newspaper=Chester Chronicle | publisher = Reach plc | date=25 July 2008 | access-date= 2 March 2016}}</ref> During this period, Holroyd declined the opportunity to trial with AFC Bournemouth.<ref name="U's Sign New Striker">{{cite news | title = U's Sign New Striker | url = http://www.cambridge-united.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10423~1364748,00.html | publisher = Cambridge United F.C. | date = 13 August 2008 | access-date = 24 September 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080904102216/http://www.cambridge-united.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10423~1364748%2C00.html | archive-date = 4 September 2008 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
===Cambridge United=== Holroyd signed for Conference Premier club Cambridge United on 13 August 2008 on a one-year contract, with an option for a further year.<ref name="U's Sign New Striker"/> Holroyd made his debut for Cambridge in the club's 3–0 away victory against Eastbourne Borough, scoring five minutes after coming on as a 79th-minute substitute.<ref name="Eastbourne 0-3 Cambridge Utd">{{cite news | title = Eastbourne 0–3 Cambridge Utd | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/7565191.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 23 August 2008 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> After his goalscoring debut, he went 16 matches without a goal before ending the run in a 4–0 victory over Salisbury City in December 2008.<ref name="Cambridge Utd 4-0 Salisbury City">{{cite news | title = Cambridge Utd 4–0 Salisbury City | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/7779384.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 20 December 2008 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> Holroyd featured in all three of Cambridge's play-off matches that season, including an appearance as an 80th-minute substitute in the 2–0 defeat to Torquay United in the final.<ref name="Cambridge Utd 0-2 Torquay Utd">{{cite news | title = Cambridge Utd 0–2 Torquay Utd | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/8038429.stm |first=Emlyn |last=Begley | website = BBC Sport | date = 17 May 2009 | access-date = 2 March 2016}}</ref> He made 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring ten goals.<ref name=sb0809/><ref name=CUFC0809/> In May 2009, the club exercised the option to extend his contract for a further year.<ref name="Holroyd signs Cambridge extension">{{cite news | title = Holroyd signs Cambridge extension | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cambridge_utd/8062073.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 21 May 2009 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref>
Ahead of the 2009–10 season, Holroyd was assigned the number nine shirt following the departure of Scott Rendell.<ref name="Rendell completes U's loan move">{{cite news | title = Rendell completes U's loan move | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cambridge_utd/7838153.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 19 January 2009 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> He scored his first professional hat-trick four days later in a 4–2 victory over former club Chester City, a match in which Cambridge came from two goals behind.<ref name="Chester City 2-4 Cambridge Utd">{{cite news | title = Chester City 2–4 Cambridge Utd | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8203291.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 15 August 2009 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> Holroyd scored 15 goals during the first half of the 2009–10 season, prompting assistant manager Paul Carden to state that he expected Holroyd to leave during the January transfer window.<ref name="Cambridge boss Paul Carden fears Chris Holroyd exit">{{cite news | title = Cambridge boss Paul Carden fears Chris Holroyd exit | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cambridge_utd/8444533.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 6 January 2010 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> His final appearance for Cambridge came in a 1–0 home defeat to Eastbourne Borough.<ref name="Cambridge Utd 0-1 Eastbourne">{{cite news | title = Cambridge Utd 0–1 Eastbourne | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/8444021.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 16 January 2010 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref>
===Brighton & Hove Albion=== Holroyd joined League One club Brighton & Hove Albion on 29 January 2010.<ref>{{Cite news | title= Holroyd Completes Move to Brighton | url= http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10423~1948983,00.html | publisher= Cambridge United F.C. | date= 29 January 2010 | access-date= 29 January 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100201035524/http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10423~1948983%2C00.html | archive-date= 1 February 2010 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref> An undisclosed fee was agreed with Cambridge on 22 January, but the transfer was delayed due to protracted negotiations over personal terms.<ref>{{Cite news|title=United left hanging as Holroyd's move stalls |url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_sport_camb_utd/displayarticle.asp?id=479306 |website=cambridge-news.co.uk |publisher= Cambridge Newspapers Ltd |date=26 January 2010 |access-date=26 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322081949/http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_sport_camb_utd/displayarticle.asp?id=479306 |archive-date=22 March 2012 }}</ref> The delay led to speculation that the deal had collapsed.<ref>{{Cite news | title= Poyet looks elsewhere as Holroyd deal collapses. | url= http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/4878974.Poyet_looks_elsewhere_as_Holroyd_deal_collapses/ |first=Andy |last=Naylor |newspaper=The Argus | publisher = Newsquest Media Group Ltd |location=Brighton | date=29 January 2010 | access-date= 2 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title= Holroyd deal in doubt | url= http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11741_5891416,00.html | website= Sky Sports |publisher=Sky UK | date=28 January 2010 | access-date= 29 January 2010}}</ref> Holroyd made his Brighton debut the day after signing, which Holroyd described as "a surprise",<ref name="Brighton striker Chris Holroyd surprised by debut">{{cite news | title = Brighton striker Chris Holroyd surprised by debut | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/brighton/8508622.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 10 February 2010 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> coming on as a 64th-minute substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Millwall.<ref name="Brighton 0-1 Millwall">{{cite news | title = Brighton 0–1 Millwall | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/8480568.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 30 January 2010 | access-date = 24 September 2010}}</ref> He made 13 appearances during the remainder of the 2009–10 season, without scoring.<ref name=sb0910/> He featured only twice in the 2010–11 season,<ref name=sb1011/> with competition for places increasing following the arrival of Francisco Sandaza.<ref name="Holroyd Goes on Loan">{{cite web | title = Holroyd Goes on Loan | url = http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~2162847,00.html | publisher = Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. | date = 23 September 2010 | access-date = 24 September 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100927042802/http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0%2C%2C10433~2162847%2C00.html | archive-date = 27 September 2010 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Brighton manager Gus Poyet stated Holroyd would benefit regular football elsewhere in order to re-establish himself as a regular first-team player.<ref name="Holroyd Goes on Loan"/> In May 2011, the club announced that he would be released upon the expiry of his contract.<ref name="Poyet to release six of Brighton and Hove Albion squad">{{cite news | title = Poyet to release six of Brighton and Hove Albion squad | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13309009 | website = BBC Sport | date = 6 May 2011 | access-date = 6 May 2011}}</ref>
====Stevenage and Bury loans==== Holroyd subsequently joined League Two club Stevenage on a three-month loan deal on 24 September 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11741/6396421/holroyd-makes-boro-loan-move |title=Holroyd makes Boro loan move |website=Sky Sports |publisher=Sky UK |date=24 September 2010 |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> He made his debut the following day, scoring the only goal of the game in a 1–0 victory over Lincoln City at Sincil Bank.<ref name="Lincoln City 0-1 Stevenage">{{cite news | title = Lincoln City 0–1 Stevenage | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/9016363.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 25 September 2010 | access-date = 25 September 2010}}</ref> Three days later, Holroyd scored a hat-trick in Stevenage's 4–1 win against Hereford United.<ref name="Hereford 1-4 Stevenage">{{cite news | title = Hereford 1–4 Stevenage | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9031921.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 29 September 2010 | access-date = 29 September 2010}}</ref><ref name="Hereford Utd 1-4 Stevenage">{{cite news | title = Hereford Utd 1–4 Stevenage | url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10839~51495,00.html | publisher = Stevenage F.C. | date = 29 September 2010 | access-date = 29 September 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101001120616/http://www.stevenagefc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10839~51495%2C00.html | archive-date = 1 October 2010 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> After the match, Stevenage manager Graham Westley stated: "He's lethal, we knew that before he came to the club. He's been very impressive in his two games so far, his work ethic is excellent and he is a constant menace for opposition defences".<ref name="Hereford 1-4 Stevenage"/> Holroyd returned to Brighton on 26 December 2010,<ref name="Team News: Albion v Charlton Athletic ">{{cite news | title = Team News: Albion v Charlton Athletic | url = http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Preview/0,,10433~2252648,00.html | publisher = Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. | date = 28 December 2010 | access-date = 29 December 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101231112153/http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Preview/0%2C%2C10433~2252648%2C00.html | archive-date = 31 December 2010 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> having scored six goals in 12 matches during the loan spell.<ref name=sb1011/>
Having made only three further substitute appearances at Brighton, Holroyd joined League Two club Bury on loan on 11 March 2011, for the remainder of the 2010–11 season.<ref name="Bury sign striker Chris Holroyd on loan from Brighton">{{cite news | title = Bury sign striker Chris Holroyd on loan from Brighton | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bury/9422551.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 11 March 2011 | access-date = 6 July 2011}}</ref> Holroyd made his debut the following day, coming on as a 69th-minute substitute in a goalless draw against Rotherham United,<ref name="Rotherham 0–0 Bury">{{cite news | title = Rotherham 0–0 Bury | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/9419028.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 12 March 2011 | access-date = 6 July 2011}}</ref> and scored three days later a 2–1 home defeat to Torquay United.<ref name="Bury 1–2 Torquay">{{cite news | title = Bury 1–2 Torquay | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/12733939.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 15 March 2011 | access-date = 2 March 2016}}</ref> Holroyd was recalled by Brighton on 11 April 2011,<ref name="Brighton recall striker Chris Holroyd from Bury">{{cite news | title = Brighton recall striker Chris Holroyd from Bury | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13036411 | website = BBC Sport | date = 11 April 2011 | access-date = 6 July 2011}}</ref> having made four appearances and scored once during his loan spell.<ref name=sb1011/>
===Rotherham United=== After being released by Brighton, Holroyd signed for League Two club Rotherham United on 20 June 2011 on a free transfer,<ref name="Holroyd checks in with Millers">{{cite news | title = Holroyd checks in with Millers | url = http://www.themillers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10360~2379179,00.html | publisher = Rotherham United F.C. | date = 20 June 2011 | access-date = 6 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110623033853/http://www.themillers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10360~2379179%2C00.html | archive-date = 23 June 2011 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> agreeing a two-year contract.<ref name="Rotherham United sign Chris Holroyd and Luke Foster">{{cite news | title = Rotherham United sign Chris Holroyd and Luke Foster | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13847067 | website = BBC Sport | date = 20 June 2011 | access-date = 6 July 2011}}</ref> He made his debut on the opening day of the 2011–12 season, playing 72 minutes in a 1–0 home win against Oxford United.<ref name="Rotherham 1–0 Oxford">{{cite news | title = Rotherham 1–0 Oxford | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/14351877.stm | website = BBC Sport | date = 6 August 2011 | access-date = 2 October 2011}}</ref> Holroyd scored his only goal for Rotherham in a 2–0 home victory over Aldershot Town on 5 November 2011, scoring a glancing header as the club ended a ten-game winless run.<ref name="Rotherham 2–0 Aldershot">{{cite news | title = Rotherham 2–0 Aldershot | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15504526 | website = BBC Sport | date = 5 November 2011 | access-date = 22 January 2012}}</ref> He made 19 appearances during the first half of the season, including six starts.<ref name=sb1112/>
===Preston North End=== Holroyd joined League One club Preston North End for an undisclosed fee on 20 January 2012,<ref name="Preston North End sign Procter, Holroyd & McAllister">{{cite news | title = Preston North End sign Procter, Holroyd & McAllister | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16658012 | website = BBC Sport | date = 20 January 2012 | access-date = 21 January 2012}}</ref> reuniting with manager Graham Westley, who had previously signed him on loan at Stevenage.<ref name="Preston North End sign Procter, Holroyd & McAllister"/> He made his debut the following day in a 2–0 home defeat to Leyton Orient, playing as a right winger and earning the club's Man of the Match award.<ref name="Preston 0–2 Leyton Orient">{{cite news | title = Preston 0–2 Leyton Orient | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16559849 | website = BBC Sport | date = 21 January 2012 | access-date = 22 January 2012}}</ref> Holroyd scored his only goal for Preston on 21 April 2012, heading in a Danny Mayor cross in a 1–1 draw away at Oldham Athletic.<ref name="Oldham 1–1 Preston">{{cite news | title = Oldham 1–1 Preston | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17711673 | website = BBC Sport | date = 21 April 2012 | access-date = 22 April 2012}}</ref> He made 20 appearances during his time at Preston.<ref name=sb1112/>
In August 2012, Holroyd joined his hometown club Macclesfield Town of the Conference Premier on loan until January 2013.<ref name="Macclesfield sign Preston striker Chris Holroyd on loan">{{cite news | title = Macclesfield sign Preston striker Chris Holroyd on loan | url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19380295 | website = BBC Sport | date = 25 August 2012 | access-date = 27 August 2012}}</ref> He made a scoring debut for the club, coming on as a substitute to score with his first touch in a 3–2 victory against Lincoln City.<ref name="Lincoln 2–3 Macclesfield">{{cite news | title = Lincoln 2–3 Macclesfield | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19304233 | website = BBC Sport | date = 25 August 2012 | access-date = 25 August 2012}}</ref> During his loan, Holroyd scored nine goals in 23 appearances, including a hat-trick in a 4–3 win against Stockport County at Edgeley Park.<ref name=MTFC1213/><ref name="Stockport 3–4 Macclesfield">{{cite news | title = Stockport 3–4 Macclesfield | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19394704 | website = BBC Sport | date = 4 September 2012 | access-date = 4 September 2012}}</ref> Upon returning to Preston in January 2013, Holroyd was informed he was not in the club's plans,<ref name="Luke's a likely lad for PNE">{{cite news | title = Luke's a likely lad for PNE | url = http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/national-football/luke-s-a-likely-lad-for-pne-1-5271091 | newspaper = Lancashire Evening Post | publisher = Johnston Publishing Ltd | date = 3 January 2013 | access-date = 6 January 2013 | archive-date = 5 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130105231433/http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/national-football/luke-s-a-likely-lad-for-pne-1-5271091 | url-status = dead }}</ref> and his contract was mutually terminated ahead of its June 2013 expiry.<ref name="Holroyd leaves the club">{{cite news | title = Holroyd leaves the club | url = http://www.pnefc.net/news/article/holroyd-leaves-the-club-579382.aspx | publisher = Preston North End F.C. | date = 4 January 2013 | access-date = 6 January 2013}}</ref>
===Morecambe=== Available on a free transfer following his loan spell at Macclesfield Town, Holroyd attracted interest from the club; however, no permanent deal was reached.<ref name="Striker unavailable for Cardiff game, but Silkmen hope to sign.">{{cite news | title = Striker unavailable for Cardiff game, but Silkmen hope to sign. | url = http://www.mtfc.co.uk/news/article/chris-holroyd-040113-579532.aspx | publisher = Macclesfield Town F.C. | date = 4 January 2013 | access-date = 17 January 2013}}</ref> He subsequently signed for League Two club Morecambe on 17 January 2013, on a contract running until the end of the 2012–13 season.<ref name="Chris Holroyd: Morecambe sign ex-Preston North End striker">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd: Morecambe sign ex-Preston North End striker | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21067359 | website = BBC Sport | date = 17 January 2013 | access-date = 17 January 2013}}</ref> Holroyd made his debut the following day, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 0–0 home draw against Cheltenham Town.<ref name="Morecambe 0–0 Cheltenham">{{cite news | title = Morecambe 0–0 Cheltenham | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20982125 | website = BBC Sport | date = 18 January 2013 | access-date = 18 January 2013}}</ref> He scored once in 16 appearances before leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2013.<ref name=sb1213/>
===Macclesfield Town=== Holroyd rejoined hometown club, Macclesfield Town, on 19 June 2013, becoming manager John Askey's first signing following his appointment.<ref name="Chris Holroyd: Macclesfield return for ex-Morecambe striker">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd: Macclesfield return for ex-Morecambe striker | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22969143 | website = BBC Sport | date = 19 June 2013 | accessdate = 4 August 2025}}</ref> He scored seven goals in 42 appearances during his debut season,<ref name=MTFC1314>{{cite web |url=http://silkmenarchives.org.uk/season_stats/Conference/2013_14.html |title=Season statistics 2013–14 |website=Macclesfield Town Football Club Archives |publisher=Macclesfield Town Football Club Ltd and Geoffrey Knights |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> and signed a one-year contract extension in July 2014.<ref name="Macclesfield Town keep Chris Holroyd and Danny Whitaker">{{cite news | title = Macclesfield Town keep Chris Holroyd and Danny Whitaker | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28226876 | website = BBC Sport | date = 9 July 2014 | accessdate = 4 August 2025}}</ref> During the 2014–15 season, Holroyd was predominantly deployed as a right winger, scoring four goals in 40 matches as Macclesfield missed out on a play-off place by a single point.<ref name="Holroyd happy to wing it">{{cite news | title = Holroyd happy to wing it | url = https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/holroyd-happy-to-wing-it-8226591 | work = Macclesfield Express | date = 4 December 2014 | accessdate = 4 August 2025 | first = Mike | last = Glendinning}}</ref><ref name=MTFC1415>{{cite web |url=http://silkmenarchives.org.uk/season_stats/Conference/2014_15.html |title=Season statistics 2014–15 |website=Macclesfield Town Football Club Archives |publisher=Macclesfield Town Football Club Ltd and Geoffrey Knights |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> He signed a further one-year contract on 5 June 2015.<ref name="Chris Holroyd: Macclesfield Town striker signs new deal">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd: Macclesfield Town striker signs new deal | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33021954 | website = BBC Sport | date = 5 June 2015 | accessdate = 4 August 2025}}</ref> He continued to feature as a winger during the 2015–16 season, before reverting to a more central striking role for the 2016–17 season, in which he scored 14 goals in 52 appearances.<ref name="Soccerway"/><ref name="Chris Holroyd on central role">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd on central role | url = http://www.mtfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/chris-holroyd-macclesfield-town-3269804.aspx | publisher = Macclesfield Town F.C. | date = 25 August 2016 | accessdate = 4 August 2025}}</ref> That season, he helped Macclesfield reach the FA Trophy final, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–2 defeat to York City at Wembley Stadium on 21 May 2017.<ref name="York beat Macclesfield to win FA Trophy">{{cite news | title = York beat Macclesfield to win FA Trophy | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39994737 | website = BBC Sport | date = 21 May 2017 | accessdate = 4 August 2025}}</ref> He declined a contract extension and departed the club upon the expiry of his contract.<ref name="Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd targets increased goal return">{{cite news | title = Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd targets increased goal return | url = https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15959398.wrexham-afc-striker-chris-holroyd-targets-increased-goal-return/ | work = The Leader | publisher = Newsquest Media Group Ltd | date = 29 June 2017 | accessdate = 4 August 2025 | first = Richard | last = Williams}}</ref>
===Wrexham=== Two days after Macclesfield's FA Trophy final defeat, Holroyd signed for fellow National League club Wrexham on 23 May 2017.<ref name="Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd targets increased goal return"/><ref name="Wrexham sign forward Chris Holroyd and defender James Jennings">{{cite news | title = Wrexham sign forward Chris Holroyd and defender James Jennings | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40020694 | website = BBC Sport | date = 23 May 2017 | accessdate = 4 August 2025}}</ref> He sustained a dislocated shoulder on his debut in Wrexham's 1–0 home defeat to former club Macclesfield on the opening day of the 2017–18 season.<ref name="Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd dedicates goal to the fans">{{cite news | title = Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd dedicates goal to the fans | url = https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/15961105.wrexham-afc-striker-chris-holroyd-dedicates-goal-to-the-fans/ | work = The Leader | publisher = Newsquest Media Group Ltd | date = 25 September 2017 | accessdate = 4 August 2025 | first = Richard | last = Williams}}</ref> Holroyd returned to the first team five weeks later, scoring his first goal for the club in a 1–0 away victory against Tranmere Rovers on 23 September 2017.<ref name="Soccerway"/><ref name="Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd dedicates goal to the fans"/> He missed the final four matches of the season due to a toe injury,<ref name="Chris Holroyd could not wait to sign new contract at Wrexham AFC">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd could not wait to sign new contract at Wrexham AFC | url = https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/16234536.chris-holroyd-not-wait-sign-new-contract-wrexham-afc/ | work = The Leader | publisher = Newsquest Media Group Ltd | date = 18 May 2018 | accessdate = 4 August 2025 | first = Richard | last = Williams}}</ref> but finished the campaign as Wrexham's leading goalscorer with 13 goals in 34 appearances, including a hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Torquay United at the Racecourse Ground.<ref name="Soccerway"/><ref name="Chris Holroyd agrees new deal as seven depart Wrexham">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd agrees new deal as seven depart Wrexham | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44112028 | website = BBC Sport | date = 15 May 2018 | accessdate = 4 August 2025}}</ref> He signed a contract extension on 15 May 2018.<ref name="Chris Holroyd could not wait to sign new contract at Wrexham AFC"/>
A hamstring injury disrupted the start of Holroyd's 2018–19 season,<ref name="It's been a stop-start season but Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd won't change his game">{{cite news | title = It's been a stop-start season but Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd won't change his game | url = https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/16975956.stop-start-season-wrexham-afc-striker-chris-holroyd-wont-change-game/ | work = The Leader | publisher = Newsquest Media Group Ltd | date = 11 October 2018 | accessdate = 4 August 2025 | first = Richard | last = Williams}}</ref> and he found starting opportunities limited throughout the campaign.<ref name="Games played by Chris Holroyd in 2018/2019">{{Soccerbase season|43982|2018|name=Chris Holroyd|accessdate=4 August 2025}}</ref><ref name="Chris Holroyd is looking forward to facing former club Wrexham but wants Chorley to continue recent revival">{{cite news | title = Chris Holroyd is looking forward to facing former club Wrexham but wants Chorley to continue recent revival | url = https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/sport/18121052.chris-holroyd-looking-forward-facing-former-club-wrexham-wants-chorley-continue-recent-revival/ | work = The Leader | publisher = Newsquest Media Group Ltd | date = 24 December 2019 | accessdate = 4 August 2025 | first = Richard | last = Williams}}</ref> He scored four goals in 30 appearances as Wrexham were defeated in the play-off quarter-finals by Eastleigh.<ref name="Soccerway"/><ref name="Chris Holroyd is looking forward to facing former club Wrexham but wants Chorley to continue recent revival"/> Holroyd was released by the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2019.<ref name="Soccerway"/> Reflecting on his time at Wrexham, he described it as "one of the happiest times in my career", particularly highlighting his first season.<ref name="Chris Holroyd is looking forward to facing former club Wrexham but wants Chorley to continue recent revival"/>
===Further spells in non-League=== Holroyd signed for newly promoted National League club Chorley on 27 June 2019.<ref name="Chris Holroyd is looking forward to facing former club Wrexham but wants Chorley to continue recent revival"/><ref name="Chorley">{{cite news |url=https://www.chorleyfc.com/2019/06/27/holroyd-added-to-squad/ |title=Holroyd is first summer capture |publisher=Chorley FC |date=27 June 2019 |access-date=27 June 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627193122/https://www.chorleyfc.com/2019/06/27/holroyd-added-to-squad/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 away draw with Sutton United on 10 August 2019, and went on to score nine times in 30 appearances in all competitions.<ref name="Soccerway"/><ref name="Games played by Chris Holroyd in 2019/2020">{{Soccerbase season|43982|2019|name=Chris Holroyd|accessdate=4 August 2025}}</ref> In February 2020, he joined Stalybridge Celtic of the National League North, on a contract until the end of the 2020–21 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stalybridge Celtic sign striker Holroyd |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/stalybridge-celtic-sign-striker-holroyd/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218202058/https://nonleaguedaily.com/stalybridge-celtic-sign-striker-holroyd/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=18 February 2020 |publisher=nonleaguedaily.com |access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref> The season was curtailed the following month due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Holroyd departed the club on 10 September 2020, having made three appearances.<ref name="Soccerway"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk/2020/09/14/chris-holroyd-leaves-stalybridge-celtic/|title=Chris Holroyd leaves Stalybridge Celtic|first=Tony|last=Bugby|date=14 September 2020}}</ref>
Holroyd subsequently signed for Warrington Town on 5 October 2020,<ref name="Warrington Town sign striker Chris Holroyd">{{cite news | title = Warrington Town sign striker Chris Holroyd | url = https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/18770703.warrington-town-sign-striker-chris-holroyd/ | work = Warrington Guardian | publisher = Newsquest Media Group Ltd | date = 5 October 2020 | accessdate = 4 August 2025 | first = Matt | last = Turner}}</ref> reuniting with manager Paul Carden and assistant manager Mark Beesley, both former teammates at Cambridge United.<ref name="Warrington Town sign striker Chris Holroyd"/> He made two substitute appearances before leaving exactly one month later, marking the final club of his playing career.<ref name="Soccerway"/><ref name="New signings and departures confirmed by Warrington Town">{{cite news | title = New signings and departures confirmed by Warrington Town | url = https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/18850267.new-signings-departures-confirmed-warrington-town/ | work = Warrington Guardian | publisher = Newsquest Media Group Ltd | date = 5 November 2020 | accessdate = 4 August 2025 | first = Matt | last = Turner}}</ref><ref name="Holroyd interview">{{Cite web |last = Waters |first = Matt |date = 1 September 2023 |title = Interview {{!}} Chris Holroyd previews Tranmere clash |url = https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/september/interview--chris-holroyd-previews-tranmere-clash/ |website = wrexhamafc.co.uk |publisher = Wrexham A.F.C. |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240513114718/https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/september/interview--chris-holroyd-previews-tranmere-clash/ |archive-date = 13 May 2024 |access-date = 15 July 2025 |language = en-gb }}</ref>
==Style of play== Holroyd began his career as a striker and regarded it as his primary position throughout his playing career.<ref name="Holroyd happy to wing it"/><ref name="Wrexham AFC striker Chris Holroyd targets increased goal return"/> During his time at Preston North End, he was predominantly deployed as a right winger, a role he continued in from his second season at Macclesfield Town.<ref name="Holroyd happy to wing it"/> He described the position as more demanding due to the increased defensive responsibilities.<ref name="Holroyd happy to wing it"/> Possessing notable pace and skill, Holroyd's versatility enabled him to play effectively in both roles.<ref name="Holroyd happy to wing it"/> He attributed his assist contributions to his background as a striker, stating that it gave him an understanding of attacking movement and where forwards preferred to receive the ball.<ref name="Holroyd happy to wing it"/>
==Personal life== Following his retirement from professional football, Holroyd began a career in finance.<ref name="Holroyd interview"/>
==Career statistics== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="3"|Chester City |2006–07<ref name=sb0607>{{soccerbase season|43982|2006|access-date=1 March 2016}}</ref> |League Two||22||0||1||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=statsFLT|Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy}}||0||25||0 |- |2007–08<ref name=CCFC0708>{{cite web |url=http://www.chester-city.co.uk/player_chris_holroyd_0708.asp |title=Playing staff 2007/08 Chris Holroyd |website=chester-city.co.uk |publisher=Steve Mansley |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |League Two||24||4||0||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=statsFLT}}||1||26||5 |- !colspan="2"|Total !46||4||1||0||2||0||2||1||51||5 |- |rowspan="3"|Cambridge United |2008–09<ref name=sb0809>{{soccerbase season|43982|2008|access-date=1 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=CUFC0809>For matches omitted by Soccerbase, see fixtures against Boston United (FA Cup), Crawley Town (FA Trophy) and Torquay United (play-off) linked from: {{cite web |url=http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10423~2008,00.html |title=Fixtures: 2008–09 |publisher=Cambridge United F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218082636/http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0%2C%2C10423~2008%2C00.html |archive-date=18 December 2010 |url-status=dead}}<br />For Conference League Cup: {{cite web |url=http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk.p.preprod.performgroup.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10423~46612,00.html |title=AFC Telford vs Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge United F.C. |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=1 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307085230/http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk.p.preprod.performgroup.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10423~46612%2C00.html |archive-date=7 March 2016}}</ref> |Conference Premier||35||10||2||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|Two appearances in FA Trophy; one appearance in Conference League Cup; three appearances in 2009 Conference Premier play-offs}}||0||43||10 |- |2009–10<ref name=sb0910/><ref name=CUFC0910>For matches omitted by Soccerbase, see fixtures against Lincoln United (FA Cup), Luton Town and Eastbourne Borough (FA Trophy) and Rushden & Diamonds (home, Conference) linked from: {{cite web |url=http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10423~2009,00.html |title=Fixtures: 2009–10 |publisher=Cambridge United F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218081420/http://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0%2C%2C10423~2009%2C00.html |archive-date=18 December 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |Conference Premier||24||12||3||1||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|name=statsFAT|Appearance(s) in FA Trophy}}||2||30||15 |- !colspan="2"|Total !59||22||5||1||0||0||9||2||73||25 |- |rowspan="3"|Brighton & Hove Albion |2009–10<ref name=sb0910>{{soccerbase season|43982|2009|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |League One||13||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||13||0 |- |2010–11<ref name=sb1011>{{soccerbase season|43982|2010|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |League One||3||0||1||0||1||0||0||0||5||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !16||0||1||0||1||0||0||0||18||0 |- |Stevenage (loan) |2010–11<ref name=sb1011/> |League Two||12||6||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||6 |- |Bury (loan) |2010–11<ref name=sb1011/> |League Two||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||1 |- |Rotherham United |2011–12<ref name=sb1112>{{soccerbase season|43982|2011|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |League Two||15||1||2||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=statsFLT}}||0||19||1 |- |rowspan="3"|Preston North End |2011–12<ref name=sb1112/> |League One||20||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||1 |- |2012–13<ref name=sb1213>{{soccerbase season|43982|2012|access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |League One||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !20||1||0||0||0||0||0||0||20||1 |- |Macclesfield Town (loan) |2012–13<ref name=MTFC1213>{{cite web |url=http://silkmenarchives.org.uk/season_stats/Conference/2012_13.html |title=Season statistics 2012–13 |website=Macclesfield Town Football Club Archives |publisher=Macclesfield Town Football Club Ltd and Geoffrey Knights |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |Conference Premier||19||7||3||2||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=statsFAT}}||0||23||9 |- |Morecambe |2012–13<ref name=sb1213/> |League Two||16||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||16||1 |- |rowspan="5"|Macclesfield Town |2013–14<ref>{{cite web |url=http://silkmenarchives.org.uk/season_stats/Conference/2013_14.html |title=Season statistics 2013–14 |website=Macclesfield Town Football Club Archives |publisher=Macclesfield Town Football Club Ltd and Geoffrey Knights |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |Conference Premier||39||7||2||0||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=statsFAT}}||0||42||7 |- |2014–15<ref>{{cite web |url=http://silkmenarchives.org.uk/season_stats/Conference/2014_15.html |title=Season statistics 2014–15 |website=Macclesfield Town Football Club Archives |publisher=Macclesfield Town Football Club Ltd and Geoffrey Knights |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |Conference Premier||37||4||2||0||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=statsFAT}}||0||40||4 |- |2015–16<ref name=Soccerway>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/holroyd-holroyd/56983/ |title=C. Holroyd |website=Soccerway |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> |National League||42||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=statsFAT}}||0||47||1 |- |2016–17<ref name="Soccerway"/> |National League |42||13||3||1||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=statsFAT}}||0||52||14 |- !colspan="2"|Total !160||25||8||1||0||0||13||0||181||26 |- |rowspan=3|Wrexham |2017–18<ref name="Soccerway"/> |National League |34||13||1||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||35||13 |- |2018–19<ref name="Soccerway"/> |National League |26||3||2||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|One appearance and one goal in FA Trophy; one appearance in 2019 National League play-offs}}||1||30||4 |- !colspan="2"|Total !60||16||3||0||0||0||2||1||65||17 |- |Chorley |2019–20<ref name="Soccerway"/> |National League |27||6||1||1||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=statsFAT}}||2||30||9 |- |Stalybridge Celtic |2020–21<ref name="Soccerway"/> |National League North |3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0||3||0 |- |Warrington Town |2020–21<ref name="Soccerway"/> |Northern Premier League Premier Division |2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0||2||0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !459||90||24||5||4||0||30||6||517||101 |}
{{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Macclesfield Town''' *FA Trophy runner-up: 2016–17<ref name="York beat Macclesfield to win FA Trophy"/>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{Soccerbase}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Holroyd, Chris}} Category:English men's footballers Category:Chester City F.C. players Category:Cambridge United F.C. players Category:Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players Category:Stevenage F.C. players Category:Bury F.C. players Category:Rotherham United F.C. players Category:Preston North End F.C. players Category:Macclesfield Town F.C. players Category:Morecambe F.C. players Category:Wrexham A.F.C. players Category:Chorley F.C. players Category:Warrington Town F.C. players Category:English Football League players Category:National League (English football) players Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Footballers from Macclesfield Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:Stalybridge Celtic F.C. players Category:21st-century English sportsmen