The Fleet’s latest new signing is an experienced EFL and National League player in the form of centre-back Haydn Hollis from Chesterfield.
The 29-year-old, 6ft 4in defender played almost 140 games at League One and Two level with Notts County in a nine-year spell at Meadow Lane after graduating from their youth system in 2009.
In addition to loan spells with Barrow and Darlington in the Conference, Hollis also spent half a season with Forest Green Rovers in League Two.
He moved to Chesterfield, initially on loan in 2018/19, playing in the epic 3-3 draw against the Fleet at the Proact Stadium in January 2019 and he scored the Spireites’ equaliser in a 2-2 draw at the Kuflink Stadium later that year.
Hollis, renowned for his commanding presence, leadership and organisational skills and aerial prowess, signed a new contract at Chesterfield towards the end of the 2020/21 season before an injury kept him out of action thereafter but back to full fitness, he was invited to return to the National League club for the new season before deciding on his move to the Fleet.
“The manager said he’s watched me a few times when playing for Chesterfield,” Hollis said upon signing. “And he’s picked me out and said that’s what we need, which is my game. I’m here to win and I come with experience from League One and Two and the National League but I’m not naive in thinking a lower level will be easy.”
