Anniversary
Gavin Holligan
Born: 30 June 1980, Lambeth, London, England
Clubs: Walton and Hersham, Kingstonian, West Ham United, Leyton Orient (loan), Exeter City (loan), Kingstonian (loan), Wycombe Wanderers, Crawley Town (loan), Hornchurch, Havant and Waterlooville, Lewes
Gavin Holligan is one of the rare breed of players who began his career in non-league football before going on to play in the Premier League.
Holligan was an 18-year-old forward who caught the eye with Walton and Hersham and Kingstonian before West Ham United splashed out £150,000 to bring the south London-born player to the Boleyn Ground.
Unfortunately, the young striker was unable to break into the Hammers' first team on a regular basis, but he did make one substitute in a 2-2 Premier League draw at Liverpool on 20 February, when he replaced a certain Joe Cole.
Holligan was loaned to Leyton Orient, Exeter City and former club Kingstonian before joining Wycombe Wanderers on a permanent basis in 2001. After spells with four non-league clubs, he was forced to retire due to a serious thigh injury.
SInce hanging up his boots, Holligan has forged a new career as a soul singer-songwriter and session musician, working with artists such as Duffy and the Sugababes.