Former Gunner reacts to 1st appearance in over 500 days | OneFootball

Former Gunner Rob Holding has admitted it’s good to be back, after making his first senior appearance in over a year last weekend.

Photo via Holding on Instagram

Former Arsenal defender Rob Holding made his debut for Sheffield United on Saturday, playing in a Championship fixture against Portsmouth.

The defender came on late in the game, playing the final 10 minutes as his new team tried to see out a 2-1 win. He did have one shaky moment, but Sheffield United ultimately secured the three points.

“Felt so good being back doing what I love,” Holding wrote on his Instagram story afterwards. “Thank you for the warm welcome at Bramall Lane.”

Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images

If Holding wasn’t quite as his best, he has a good excuse, having not played a single senior fixture since September 2023. Crystal Palace completely froze out the 29-year-old, and his only route back to the pitch was to take this loan to the Championship.

The BBC reported in October that the player had a disagreement about a post-match running session back in August, and he didn’t make a single matchday squad after that.

As well as Holding, Sheffield United also signed former Gunner Harry Clarke on loan in the January transfer window.

The team are just two points off the top of the Championship table and currently sit in one of the automatic promotion places, and they clearly want to strengthen to ensure they return to the top division.

Photo via Arsenal on Instagram

Holding joined Palace from Arsenal in 2023, signing a contract to 2026. With just one first-team appearance under his belt, a permanent summer transfer looks likely, but he’ll have to prove himself with Sheffield United first.

The defender played 162 times for the Gunners, 132 appearances more than he’s managed for any other senior side.